{Persecute} (edi(936b)on). Inchoative imperfect, "began to
persecute" and kept it up. They took this occasion as one excuse
(dia touto, because of this). They disliked Jesus when here
first ( 2:18 ) and were suspicious of his popularity ( 4:1 ). Now
they have cause for an open breach. {Because he did} (hoti
epoiei). Imperfect active, not just this one act, but he was
becoming a regular Sabbath-breaker. The Pharisees will watch his
conduct on the Sabbath henceforth ( Mr 2:23  3:2 ).