Matthew 18:1

Matthew 18:1. In that hour. As Peter returned from paving the temple tax. According to Mark (Mark 9:33), our Lord first asked them about their dispute on this subject ‘in the way,' probably to Capernaum. Hence the declaration: ‘surely then the sons are free' (chap. Matthew 17:26), could not have occasioned this discourse. Nor did they answer His question (Mark 9:34); His knowledge of their thoughts (Luke 9:47) probably shamed them. An indication of the moral power of His Person.

Who then, etc. ‘Then' hints at a previous discussion.

The greater. Priority, not primacy. This gives room for a more general discussion.