By what authority?

23When Jesus returned to the temple courts and began to teach, the chief priests and elders of the people came up to Him. “By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You this authority?”

24“I will also ask you one question,” Jesus replied, “and if you answer Me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

25What was the source of John’s baptism? Was it from heaven or from men?” They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’

26But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the people, for they all regard John as a prophet.”

27So they answered, “We do not know.” And Jesus replied, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

27After their return to Jerusalem, Jesus was walking in the temple courts, and the chief priests, scribes, and elders came up to Him.

28“By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You the authority to do them?”

29“I will ask you one question,” Jesus replied, “and if you answer Me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

30John’s baptism—was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me!”

31They deliberated among themselves what they should answer: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’

32But if we say, ‘From men’...” they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John truly was a prophet.

33So they answered, “We do not know.” And Jesus replied, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”

1One day as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courts and proclaiming the gospel, the chief priests and scribes, together with the elders, came up to Him.

2“Tell us,” they said, “by what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?”

3“I will also ask you a question,” Jesus replied. “Tell Me:

4John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or from men?”

5They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why did you not believe him?’

6But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.”

7So they answered that they did not know where it was from.

8And Jesus replied, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”