John 8:3

the scribes and Pharisees This phrase is used thrice by S. Luke, once each by S. Matthew and S. Mark. S. John nowhere mentions the scribes: he speaks of the hierarchy as -the chief priests" or -rulers" with or without -the Pharisees," or else simply as -the Jews." Here we are probably not to understand an official deputation from the Sanhedrin: there is nothing to shew that the woman had been taken before the Sanhedrin before being brought to Christ.

brought unto him Literally, bring unto Him. The bringing her was a wanton outrage both on her and on all generous and modest spectators. She might have been detained while the case was referred to Christ. The statement -in the very act" is another piece of brutal indelicacy; and the Greek verb, hath been taken, adds to this.