A frequent misinterpretation treats this verse as Jesus fully endorsing the scribes and Pharisees' authority without reservation, ignoring the immediate context of verses 2-3 where he instructs the crowd to practice what they teach but not follow their hypocritical works, or assumes the teaching is only for disciples excluding the public, whereas it targets both groups to highlight the dangers of religious pretense.
Matthew 23:1
King James Version (1769)
1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,
Matthew 23:1 introduces Jesus addressing both the multitudes and his disciples, setting the stage for his authoritative teaching on true spiritual leadership and warning against the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees, emphasizing that his words are meant for all hearers to discern genuine faith from outward show.