| Barnes' Notes on the Bible See this passage explained in the notes at Matthew 17:14-21. Mark 9:14 Questioning with them - Debating with the disciples, and attempting to confound them. This he saw as he came down from the mount. In his absence they had taken occasion to attempt to perplex and confound his followers.
Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd when he came to his disciples,.... The other nine, who were left at the bottom of the mountain, and were waiting for him: he saw a great multitude about them: there was a multitude that followed him from Bethsaida hither; and which, very likely, was greatly increased upon Christ's arrival in those parts, and the people hearing of it; and the Scribes questioning with them; disputing and contending with them about their master, his doctrines and miracles, and their mission and authority from him; insulting them, on account of their inability to dispossess a dumb spirit, hereafter related.
Vincent's Word StudiesThe scribes The particularizing of the scribes as the questioners, and Mark 9:15, Mark 9:16, are peculiar to Mark.
Geneva Study Bible{4} And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them. (4) Christ shows by a miracle, even to the unworthy, that he has come to restrain the wrath of Satan.
People's New Testament 9:14-22 And when he came to his disciples. After the transfiguration. He saw a great multitude. For notes on this miracle, see Mt 17:14-21. Compare Lu 9:37-42. Mark's account is the fullest.
Wesley's Notes 9:14 Mt 17:14; Lu 9:37.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible CommentaryMr 9:14-32. Healing of a Demoniac Boy-Second Explicit Announcement of His Approaching Death and Resurrection. ( = Mt 17:14-23; Lu 9:37-45). Healing of the Demoniac Boy (Mr 9:14-29). 14. And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them-This was "on the next day, when they were come down from the hill" (Lu 9:37). The Transfiguration appears to have taken place at night. In the morning, as He came down from the hill on which it took place-with Peter, and James, and John-on approaching the other nine, He found them surrounded by a great multitude, and the scribes disputing or discussing with them. No doubt these cavillers were twitting the apostles of Jesus with their inability to cure the demoniac boy of whom we are presently to hear, and insinuating doubts even of their Master's ability to do it; while they, zealous for their Master's honor, would no doubt refer to His past miracles in proof of the contrary.
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary9:14-29 The father of the suffering youth reflected on the want of power in the disciples; but Christ will have him reckon the disappointment to the want of faith. Very much is promised to our believing. If thou canst believe, it is possible that thy hard heart may be softened, thy spiritual diseases may be cured; and, weak as thou art, thou mayest be able to hold out to the end. Those that complain of unbelief, must look up to Christ for grace to help them against it, and his grace will be sufficient for them. Whom Christ cures, he cures effectually. But Satan is unwilling to be driven from those that have been long his slaves, and, when he cannot deceive or destroy the sinner, he will cause him all the terror that he can. The disciples must not think to do their work always with the same ease; some services call for more than ordinary pains. | 
