In the foregoing chapter, we had our Saviour’s discourses with the scribes and Pharisees; here we have his discourse concerning them, or rather against them. I. He allows their office, Matthew 23:2, 23:3. II. He warns his disciples not to imitate their hypocrisy and pride, Matthew 23:4-23:12. III. He exhibits a charge against them for divers high crimes and misdemeanors, corrupting the law, opposing the gospel, and treacherous dealing both with God and man; and to each article he prefixes a woe, Matthew 23:13-23:33. IV. He passes sentence upon Jerusalem, and foretels the ruin of the city and temple, especially for the sin of persecution, Matthew 23:34-23:39. MHBCC 953.1