The teachers of religious law were professional scribes (scholars who taught, copied, and interpreted Jewish law for the people). They were primarily associated with the Pharisees. The authority of the scribes came from quoting other scribes (compare Matthew 5:21–48). When Jesus taught, the people were amazed because he spoke and acted with real authority (see Mark 1:27; 5:20; 6:2; 7:37; 10:24–32; 11:18; 15:5).