Matthew 21:23

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

And {G2532} when he {G846} was come {G2064} into {G1519} the temple {G2411}, the chief priests {G749} and {G2532} the elders {G4245} of the people {G2992} came {G4334} unto him {G846} as he was teaching {G1321}, and said {G3004}, By {G1722} what {G4169} authority {G1849} doest thou {G4160} these things {G5023}? and {G2532} who {G5101} gave {G1325} thee {G4671} this {G5026} authority {G1849}?

He went into the Temple area; and as he was teaching, the head cohanim and the elders of the people approached him and demanded, "What s'mikhah do you have that authorizes you to do these things? And who gave you this s'mikhah?"

When 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?”

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

Commentary

Matthew 21:23 marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' public ministry during his final week in Jerusalem, highlighting the escalating tension between him and the religious establishment.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' dramatic actions in the temple. Just days after his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus had entered the temple courts and cleansed it of money-changers and merchants, declaring it a "house of prayer" rather than a "den of thieves." He then continued to teach and heal there, further asserting his unique role. The "chief priests and the elders of the people" were the highest religious and political authorities in Israel, representing the Sanhedrin. Their direct challenge to Jesus' actions and teaching was a formal inquiry into his legitimacy, questioning the source of his power and right to operate outside their control.

Key Themes

  • The Authority of Jesus: The central question posed by the religious leaders directly confronts the source and nature of Jesus' authority. They sought to understand if His power was self-proclaimed, derived from human institutions, or from God. Jesus' actions—cleansing the temple, teaching with power, and performing miracles—clearly demonstrated an authority that transcended human recognition.
  • Religious Opposition and Skepticism: This encounter reveals the deep-seated opposition Jesus faced from those who held religious power. Rather than acknowledging the divine source of His works, they sought to discredit Him and protect their own established order and influence.
  • Challenge to the Status Quo: Jesus' ministry consistently challenged the prevailing religious norms and the hypocrisy of the leaders. His actions in the temple were a direct affront to their control and revenue, prompting their demand for justification.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "authority" used here is exousia (ἐξουσία). It signifies not merely power or might (dynamis), but rather the right, privilege, or inherent freedom to act, often implying delegated power or jurisdiction. The chief priests and elders were not just asking about His ability to do these things, but His divine or legitimate right to do them, and who conferred that right upon Him.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

This verse prompts us to consider the source of authority in our own lives and in the world around us. Do we recognize Jesus' authority not only in His teachings but also in His right to challenge our traditions and comfort zones? Just as the religious leaders questioned Jesus, people today often question spiritual authority or seek human approval for divine actions. The true authority of Jesus comes from God, not from human institutions or popular opinion. Our faith calls us to acknowledge and submit to this divine authority, allowing it to transform our lives and perspectives.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 4:7 (6 votes)

    And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?

  • 1 Chronicles 24:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ Now [these are] the divisions of the sons of Aaron. The sons of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

  • 1 Chronicles 24:19 (4 votes)

    These [were] the orderings of them in their service to come into the house of the LORD, according to their manner, under Aaron their father, as the LORD God of Israel had commanded him.

  • Mark 11:27 (4 votes)

    ¶ And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders,

  • Mark 11:33 (4 votes)

    And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.

  • Luke 19:47 (3 votes)

    And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him,

  • Luke 20:8 (3 votes)

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