Mark 7:1

This chapter details the clash regarding the traditions of the elders (Mark 7:1-23), the healing of the daughter of the Syro-Phoenician woman (Mark 7:24-30), and the healing of the deaf-mute man of Decapolis (Mark 7:31-37). The first and longest of the three sections may be further subdivided thus: (a) the question of ceremonial defilement (Mark 7:1-8); (b) the counter-charge of Jesus (Mark 7:9-13; and (c) an explanation of the source and nature of real defilement (Mark 7:14-23).

And there were gathered together unto him Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, who had come from Jerusalem. (Mark 7:1)

The presence of the scribes and Pharisees should be understood as the result of the hierarchy's monitoring Jesus' teachings with a view to finding fault. These were, in effect, spies sent out from Jerusalem for the purpose of reporting the Saviour's activities to those in Jerusalem who hated him and were determined to be rid of him.