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Commentary on Luke 20 verses 1–8
1 ¶ And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,
2 And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?
3 And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:
4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?
5 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?
6 But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.
7 And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was.
8 And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points
In this passage of story nothing is added here to what we had in the other evangelists; but only in the first verse, where we are told,
I. That he was now teaching the people in the temple, and preaching the gospel. Note, Christ was a preacher of his own gospel. He not only purchased the salvation for us, but published it to us, which is a great confirmation of the truth of the gospel, and gives abundant encouragement to us to receive it, for it is a sign that the heart of Christ was much upon it, to have it received. This likewise puts an honour upon the preachers of the gospel, and upon their office and work, how much soever they are despised by a vain world. It puts an honour upon the popular preachers of the gospel; Christ condescended to the capacities of the people in preaching the gospel, and taught them. And observe, when he was preaching the gospel to the people he had this interruption given him. Note, Satan and his agents do all they can to hinder the preaching of the gospel to the people, for nothing weakens the interest of Satan's kingdom more.
II. That his enemies are here said to come upon him - epestēsan. The word is used only here, and it intimates,
1.That they thought to surprise him with this question; they came upon him suddenly, hoping to catch him unprovided with an answer, as if this were not a thing he had himself thought of.
2.That they thought to frighten him with this question. They came upon him in a body, with violence. But how could he be terrified with the wrath of men, when it was in his own power to restrain it, and make it turn to his praise? From this story itself we may learn, (1.) That it is not to be thought strange, if even that which is evident to a demonstration be disputed, and called in question, as a doubtful thing, by those that shut their eyes against the light. Christ's miracles plainly showed by what authority he did these things, and sealed his commission; and yet this is that which is here arraigned. (2.) Those that question Christ's authority, if they be but catechized themselves in the plainest and most evident principles of religion, will have their folly made manifest unto all men. Christ answered these priests and scribes with a question concerning the baptism of John, a plain question, which the meanest of the common people could answer: Was it from heaven or of men? They all knew it was from heaven; there was nothing in it that had an earthly relish or tendency, but it was all heavenly and divine. And this question gravelled them, and ran them aground, and served to shame them before the people. (3.) It is not strange if those that are governed by reputation and secular interest imprison the plainest truths, and smother and stifle the strongest convictions, as these priests and scribes did, who, to save their credit, would not own that John's baptism was from heaven, and had no other reason why they did not say it was of men but because they feared the people. What good can be expected from men of such a spirit? (4.) Those that bury the knowledge they have are justly denied further knowledge. It was just with Christ to refuse to give an account of his authority to them that knew the baptism of John to be from heaven and would not believe in him, nor own their knowledge, Luk 20:7, Luk 20:8.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–8. Public domain.
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Eusebius of Caesarea (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 339
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
But the rulers who should have been struck with wonder at one who taught such heavenly doctrines, and have been convinced by His words and deeds that this was the same Christ whom the Prophets had foretold, came to hinder Him, so helping onward the destruction of the people. For it follows, And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? &c. As if he said; By the law of Moses, those only who are sprung from the blood of Levi have authority to teach, and power over the sacred buildings. But Thou who art of the line of Judah usurpest the offices assigned to us. Whereas, O Pharisee, if thou hadst known the Scriptures, thou wouldest have called to mind that this is the Priest after the order of Melchisedec, who offers to God them that believe on Him by that worship which is above the law. Why then art thou troubled. He cast out of the sacred house things which seemed necessary for the sacrifices of the law, because He calls us by faith to the true righteousness.
His question concerning John the Baptist is not from whence was he sprung, but whence received he his law of baptism But they feared not to shun the truth. For God sent John as a voice, crying, Prepare ye the way of the Lord. But they dreaded to speak the truth, lest it should be said, Why did ye not believe? and they scruple to blame the forerunner, not from fear of God, but of the people; as it follows, And they reasoned within themselves, saying, If we shall say, From, heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not.
Ephrem the SyrianAD 373
COMMENTARY ON TATIAN’S DIATESSARON 16.17
While he was teaching the crowds and evangelizing them, the chief priests and the scribes came and said to him, “By what power are you doing this?” If it were a question of his teaching, how could they have called it a work? It is clear that he referred to his works as testimony to the truth of his words, according to what he said: “If you do not believe in me, believe at least in the works.” “By what power are you doing this?” They interrogated him like inquisitors, but he did not reply to them, since they did not approach him as students out of love in order to be taught but as rebels. He asked them in turn, “From where did the baptism of John come?” His word pressured them in such a way that they were forced to confess that they had not believed in John. He asked, “Was it from heaven or from human beings?” They began to reflect on it in their minds and to say, “If we say that it was from heaven, he will say, ‘Why did you not believe in it?’ If we say, ‘From human beings,’ we are afraid of the crowd.” When they said, “If it is from heaven,” they did not also say, “We are afraid of God.” They were thus afraid of human beings but not of God.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
SERMON 293.4
The Jews, to discredit him, said to the Lord, "By what authority are you doing these things? If you are the Christ, tell us openly." They were looking for a pretext, not for faith. They wanted something by which to catch him, not something by which to be liberated. Notice what answer the one who could see their hearts gave to confound them with the lamp. He said, "I will also ask you one question. Tell me, John's baptism, from where is it? Is it from heaven, or from men?" They were immediately sent staggering backward. Although the daylight was only shining gently, they were forced to fumble and blink, since they were unable to gaze at that brilliance. They took refuge in the darkness of their hearts, and there they began to get very agitated among themselves, stumbling and falling about. We might say that they said this to themselves where they were thinking, yet where he could see. If we say, "They said, 'It is from heaven,' he will say to us, 'Why did you not believe him? He testified to Christ the Lord.' If we say, 'From men,' the people will stone us, because they regarded John as a great prophet." They said, "We do not know." You do not know, because you are in darkness and are losing the light. After all, is not it much better, if darkness is occupying the human heart, to let the light in and not to lose it? When they said, "We do not know," the Lord said, "Neither do I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. You see, I know in what mind you said 'We do not know,' not because you wish to be taught, but because you are afraid to confess."
BedeAD 735
On the Gospel of Luke
And they answered that they did not know whence he was. And Jesus said to them: Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things. I do not tell you what I know, because you do not wish to confess what you know. Rejected most justly, they certainly left confused, and what is said in the psalm by the Prophet God the Father was fulfilled: I have prepared a lamp for my Christ (Psalm CXXXI), that is, John himself: I will clothe his enemies with confusion (Ibid.). However, it should be noted that the knowledge of the truth is to be concealed from those seeking for two main reasons, namely when the one who seeks is either less capable of understanding what he seeks, or is unworthy out of hatred or contempt for the truth itself that it should be revealed to him. For the sake of the one, the Lord said: I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now (John XVI). For the other reason, however, he instructs the disciples: Do not give what is holy to dogs or cast your pearls before swine (Matthew VII).
Bede (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 735
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
Or when they say, By what authority doest thou these things? they doubt concerning the power of God, and wish it to be understood that of the devil He doeth this. Adding moreover, And who is he that gave thee this authority? Most plainly do they deny the Son of God when they think that not by His own power but another's He doeth miracles. Now our Lord by a simple answer might have refuted such a calumny; but He wisely asks a question, that by their silence or their words they might condemn themselves. And he answered and said unto them, I also will ask, &c.
As if He should say, He whom yon confess had his gift of prophecy from heaven, and gave testimony to Me. And ye heard from him by what power I should do these things. It follows, But if we shall say, Of men; the whole people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet. Therefore perceived they in whatever way they should answer they would fall into a trap, fearing the stoning, but much more the confession of the truth. And then it follows, And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was. Because they will not confess that which they knew, they were baffled, and the Lord would not tell them what He knew; as it follows, And Jesus said unto them, Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things. For there are two reasons especially why we should conceal the truth from those that ask; for example, when the questioner is incapable of understanding what he asks, or when from hatred or contempt he is unworthy to have his questions answered.
Theophylact of Ohrid (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 1107
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
For that He might show that they had always rebelled against the Holy Spirit, and that besides Isaiah, whom they remembered not, they had refused to believe John whom they had lately seen; He now in his turn puts the question to them, proving that if so great a Prophet as John who was accounted greatest among them had been disbelieved when he testified of Him, they would in no wise believe Him, answering by what authority He did this.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Luke 20:7 records the evasive response of the chief priests, scribes, and elders to Jesus' counter-question regarding the authority of John's baptism. Faced with a dilemma that would either expose their hypocrisy to the people or their unbelief to Jesus, these religious leaders strategically declared their inability to state the origin of John's ministry. This verse serves as a critical moment in the escalating conflict between Jesus and the Jewish authorities, highlighting their spiritual blindness, fear of man, and unwillingness to acknowledge divine truth, ultimately setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent parables and further confrontations.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Luke 20:7 masterfully employs Irony and Characterization. The primary Irony lies in the fact that the religious leaders, who were supposed to be the spiritual guides and interpreters of God's will, claim ignorance about a matter of divine origin, while the common people recognized John as a prophet. This highlights their spiritual blindness despite their religious office. The verse also serves as a powerful piece of Characterization, revealing the leaders as self-serving, politically motivated, and more concerned with maintaining their power and popularity than with truth or divine authority. Their calculated evasion further underscores their hypocrisy and contrasts sharply with Jesus' unwavering commitment to truth and His divine wisdom in exposing their true nature.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 20:7 serves as a stark reminder that true spiritual authority is not derived from human titles or positions, but from a genuine relationship with God and a willingness to submit to His truth. The religious leaders' refusal to acknowledge the divine origin of John's baptism, despite its clear signs, demonstrates a profound spiritual blindness rooted in self-interest and fear of man. Their evasion highlights the danger of intellectual dishonesty and spiritual compromise when faced with challenging truths. This passage underscores the importance of integrity in seeking and proclaiming truth, even when it comes at a personal cost, contrasting with the leaders' prioritization of reputation over righteousness.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 20:7 challenges us to honestly examine our own hearts and motives when confronted with truth, especially when that truth might be inconvenient or demand a change in our perspective or lifestyle. Are we genuinely seeking to understand and obey God's will, or are we, like the religious leaders, prone to evasion and self-preservation? This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of humility and integrity, prioritizing God's truth above all else, even if it means sacrificing personal comfort, reputation, or perceived authority. It reminds us that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, not the fear of man, and that genuine spiritual discernment requires a heart open to divine revelation, regardless of its source. We are encouraged to be courageous in acknowledging truth, even when it challenges our preconceived notions or exposes our own shortcomings, trusting that God's truth ultimately leads to freedom and life.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did the religious leaders claim they "could not tell" the origin of John's baptism?
Answer: The religious leaders did not genuinely lack knowledge; rather, their response was a strategic and self-serving evasion. As detailed in Luke 20:5-6, they debated the implications of both possible answers. If they said John's baptism was "from heaven," Jesus would ask why they didn't believe him, thereby validating John's testimony about Jesus. If they said "of men," they feared the people, who widely regarded John as a prophet. Therefore, claiming ignorance was their calculated way to avoid being trapped by Jesus' question and to protect their authority and popularity among the crowds. It exposed their hypocrisy and fear of man over the fear of God.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 20:7, while seemingly a minor detail in a confrontation, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate rejection of Christ's authority by the very leaders who should have recognized Him. Their refusal to acknowledge John's divine authority directly parallels their refusal to acknowledge Jesus' even greater divine authority. John the Baptist was the forerunner, preparing the way for the Lord (Luke 3:4-6), and to reject his prophetic ministry was, in essence, to reject the preparatory work of God for the Messiah. The leaders' spiritual blindness and self-preservation ultimately led them to reject the "light of the world" (John 8:12) and crucify the "Lord of glory" (1 Corinthians 2:8). Jesus' wisdom in this exchange, forcing them to expose their own hypocrisy, underscores His divine insight and control, even as He walked the path toward His atoning sacrifice. Their inability to "tell whence it was" highlights humanity's inherent inability to discern divine truth apart from the illumination of the Spirit, a truth fully revealed and made accessible through the person and work of Christ, who is "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).