Matthew 21:23-27 - Jesus' Authority Challenged

²³ And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him, as he was teaching, demanding, By what authority doest thou these things? And who gave thee this authority?

²⁴ Then Jesus answering, said to them, I also will ask you one question, which if ye answer me, then will I tell you by what authority I do these things. ²⁵ The baptism of John whence was it? from heaven, or from men? Hereupon they reasoned among themselves, saying, If we reply, From heaven, he will say to us, Why then did ye not believe him? ²⁶ But if we say, From men, we are afraid of the populace, for they all hold John as a prophet. ²⁷ So they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. Then said he also to them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

²⁷ And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, come to him, ²⁸ and say to him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority, that thou shouldest do these things?

²⁹ Then Jesus answering said unto them, I also will ask you one question; and answer me; and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. ³⁰ The baptism of John, was it of heaven, or of men? answer me.

³¹ And they reasoned among themselves, saying, If we reply, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him? ³² but if we say of men??hey feared the people: for all men held John to be in truth a prophet. ³³ And they answering said to Jesus, We do not know. And Jesus in reply said to them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.

¹ AND it came to pass, on one of those days, as he was teaching the people in the temple, and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and scribes with the elders came upon him, ² and spake to him, saying, Tell us by what authority thou doest these things or who is he that giveth thee this authority?

³ Then he answering said to them, I also will ask you one question; and resolve me: ⁴ The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?

⁵ And they reasoned among themselves, saying, If we reply, From heaven; he will say, Wherefore then did ye not believe him? ⁶ But if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.

⁷ And they answered, We know not from whence.

⁸ And Jesus said to them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.