John 8:3

The scribes and Pharisees.

This is the only place where John mentions the Scribes, though they are often named by the other Evangelists. From the time of Ezra they had been. distinct class. Gradually they became the most influential teachers of Israel, having far more to do in shaping the religious life of the people than the priests. To this order belonged the Rabbins, the great Doctors of the law, such men as Hillel, Shammai and Gamaliel. When Christ began to teach, at once the people began to compare his methods with those of the Scribes. They did not speak "with authority," but fortified their decisions with the opinions of great Doctors, "teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." He, on the other hand, spoke as one drawing upon. fountain of absolute truth within himself, "with authority and not as the Scribes." The phrase, "Scribes and Pharisees," has almost the same meaning as "the Jews," so frequently used by John.

Brought unto him. woman.

She had possibly been arrested during the night. As Jerusalem was crowded with strangers and this feast was. gay, joyous one, there was probably more license than usual. There was no reason why they should bring her to him. The law of Moses was clear and they could understand that Judea was. Roman province and the Roman civil law was now in force in Judea, which did not punish adultery with death. The man was equally guilty according to the Mosaic law, but pursuing the usual course of corrupt men they let him go and fastened upon the helpless woman.