{Sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts} (ekei
kath(886d)enoi kai dialogizomenoi en tais kardiais aut(936e)). Another
of Mark's pictures through Peter's eyes. These scribes (and
Pharisees,  Lu 5:21 ) were there to cause trouble, to pick flaws
in the teaching and conduct of Jesus. His popularity and power
had aroused their jealousy. There is no evidence that they spoke
aloud the murmur in their hearts, "within themselves" ( Mt 9:3 ).
It was not necessary, for their looks gave them away and Jesus
knew their thoughts ( Mt 9:4 ) and perceived their reasoning ( Lu
5:22 ). {Instantly Jesus recognized it in his own spirit}
(euthus epignous ho I(8873)ous t(9369) pneumati autou,  Mr 2:8 ). The
Master at once recognizes the hostile atmosphere in the house.
The debate (dialogizomenoi) in their hearts was written on
their faces. No sound had come, but feeling did.