Matthew 16:1

Matthew 16:1. And Sadducees. First mention of them, in antagonism to Christ. Opposed to each other, these two parties united against our Lord; opposition to the truth overbears other antagonisms. Extremes of error consistently meet in opposing our Lord's people and cause.

Tempting, or ‘trying' Him, putting Him to the proof. But He never responded to doubt and disbelief; only to faith. To accede to their wish, would foster their carnal hopes.

A sign from heaven. Comp. chap. Matthew 12:38. It was the common belief that visible signs from heaven would attend the Advent of the Messiah. Their request implied that the many mighty works He had already wrought were not of heavenly origin. ‘The Jews require a sign' (1 Corinthians 1:22); formalism and self-righteousness tend to superstition.