Origen

“ But let us, not according to the tradition of the elders among the Jews, but according to sound reason, endeavour to purify our own actions and so to wash the hands of our souls, when we are about to eat the three loaves which we ask from Jesus, who wishes to be our friend; [7] for with hands that are defiled and unwashed and impure, we ought not to partake of the loaves. ”

“ But just as fittingly Paul became a Jew to the Jews that he might gain Jews, [4] what strange thing is it that the Apostles, whose way of life was passed among the Jews, even though they understood the spiritual things in the law, should have used a spirit of accommodation, as Paul also did when he circumcised Timothy, [5] and offered sacrifice in accordance with a certain legal vow, as is written in the Acts of the Apostles? ”

“ For they wash not their hands when they eat bread.” [1] He who observes at what time the Pharisees and scribes came from Jerusalem to Jesus, saying, “Why do Thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders,” etc., will perceive that Matthew of necessity wrote not simply that Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem came to the Saviour to inquire of Him the matters before us, but put it thus, “Then come to Him from Jerusalem.” ”