Matthew 21:23-27 - Jesus' Authority Challenged

²³ When he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the magistrates came to him as he was teaching, and said, by what authority dost thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?

²⁴ and Jesus answered them, let me ask you one question, if ye answer me that, I shall likewise satisfy you by what authority I do these things. ²⁵ the baptism of John, whence was it? was it a divine or a human Institution? and they reasoned thus with themselves, if we say, it was divine; he will say, then, why did ye not believe him? ²⁶ but if we say, it was merely human, we are obnoxious to the people; for all hold John as a prophet. ²⁷ so they made answer, we cannot tell. and Jesus said, neither shall I tell you, by what authority I do these things.

²⁷ Then they entred again into Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the Scribes, and rulers of the Jews came about him, ²⁸ and asked him, by what authority do you behave thus? and who gave you that authority?

²⁹ Jesus replied to them, if you will answer one question, that I shall propose to you, then I will tell you by what authority I act thus. ³⁰ the baptism of John, was it of divine, or of human institution?

³¹ answer me that. upon this they reasoned thus with themselves; if we should say, it was divine, he will urge, why then did you not believe him? ³² if we should say, it was a human institution, we run a risk from the people. (for they all believed John was a true prophet.) ³³ they therefore gave Jesus this answer, we cannot tell. neither do I, said Jesus, acquaint you by what authority I act thus.

¹ One day, as he was instructing the people in the temple, and preaching the gospel, the chief priests, and the Scribes, with the rulers came up to him, ² and thus accosted him, tell us by what authority do you act thus? and whence do you derive that authority?

³ Jesus answer'd, I will ask you one question; ⁴ tell me, the baptism of John, was it a divine or a human institution?

⁵ but they reason'd thus with themselves, if we should say, it was divine, he will reply, why then did not you believe him? ⁶ if we should assert, it was a human contrivance, the populace would stone us; for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.

⁷ they answer'd then, they did not know which it was.

⁸ Jesus replied, neither will I tell you by what authority I act thus.