Mat 23:3 | TNotes | STEP | 23:3 practice and obey: This was not a blanket endorsement of all that the Pharisees teach (see 15:1-20 ; 16:5-12 ; 23:13-39 ). It might refer only to what was in accord with the law of Moses, or it might be bitter irony or sarcasm. Jesus might also have been counseling conformity to the Pharisees’ teachings to avoid giving offense (17:24-27 ).

b15:1-20►

c16:5-12►

d23:13-39►

e17:24-27►

‏ Matthew 23:3

23:3 ^a practice and obey: This was not a blanket endorsement of all that the Pharisees teach (see 15:1-20 ^b; 16:5-12 ^c; 23:13-39 ^d). It might refer only to what was in accord with the law of Moses, or it might be bitter irony or sarcasm. Jesus might also have been counseling conformity to the Pharisees’ teachings to avoid giving offense (17:24-27 ^e).