The religious leaders sent spies to keep a close watch on Jesus. The spies pretended to be sincere, but they were hoping that they could trap Jesus in something he said. Then they could hand him over to the power and authority of the governor.
There are many rebellious people who try to deceive others with smooth talk. This is especially true of those who say that Gentiles who believe in Jesus have to be circumcised.
We know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are governed by the law. Its purpose is to silence every excuse and hold the whole world accountable to God.
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. He said to the people following him, “Truly I tell you, I haven’t met anyone in Israel whose faith is this great.