The Pharisees reappear on the scene; we last met them as they plotted his downfall (3:6). Mark is concerned now to explain to his readers the reason for their opposition. There are two test cases. Indeed Pharisaism as a religious way of life could be summed up by these two items: ceremonial purity (7:1–4) and the sacredness of vows (7:10–13). Together with other interests these matters made the Pharisees a group devoted to the serious pursuit of the Jewish