Translation:

53. Thus did We try some of them by comparison with others that they should say: Is it these then that Allah hath favored from amongst us?" Doth not Allah know best those who are grateful?

Notes (Tafseer)

872. Pursue the argument of the last note. The influential people who were not given precedence over the poor and humble but sincere disciples, were on their trial as to their spiritual insight. Their temptation was to say (and they said it in scorn): "We are much greater than they: has God then selected these lowly people for His teaching?" But that was so. And God knew best those who were grateful to Him for His guidance.