Markus 2:6

2:6 Now some of the experts in the law ¹  were sitting there, turning these things over in their minds: ² 

Markus 11:28

11:28 and said, “By what authority ³  are you doing these things? Or who gave you this authority to do these things?”

Markus 12:14

12:14 When they came they said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are truthful and do not court anyone’s favor, because you show no partiality ⁴  but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. ⁵  Is it right ⁶  to pay taxes ⁷  to Caesar ⁸  or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?”

[2:6]  ¹ tn Or “some of the scribes.” See the note on the phrase “experts in the law” in 1:22.

[2:6]  ² tn Grk “Reasoning within their hearts.”

[11:28]  ³ tn On this phrase, see BDAG 844 s.v. ποῖος 2.a.γ.

[12:14]  ⁴ tn Grk “and it is not a concern to you about anyone because you do not see the face of men.”

[12:14]  ⁵ sn Teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Very few comments are as deceitful as this one; they did not really believe this at all. The question of the Pharisees and Herodians was specifically designed to trap Jesus.

[12:14]  ⁶ tn Or “lawful,” that is, in accordance with God’s divine law. On the syntax of ἔξεστιν (exestin) with an infinitive and accusative, see BDF §409.3.

[12:14]  ⁷ tn According to L&N 57.180 the term κῆνσος (khnso") was borrowed from Latin and referred to a poll tax, a tax paid by each adult male to the Roman government.

[12:14]  sn This question concerning taxes was specifically designed to trap Jesus. If he answered yes, then his opponents could publicly discredit him as a sympathizer with Rome. If he answered no, then they could go to the Roman governor and accuse Jesus of rebellion.

[12:14]  ⁸ tn Or “the emperor” (“Caesar” is a title for the Roman emperor).