TRV
“Questioning Jesus' Authority”· Matthew 21:23–27
Translation
King James Version
And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.
KJV (with Strong's)
Complete Jewish Bible
Yeshua answered, "I too will ask you a question. If you answer it, then I will tell you by what s'mikhah I do these things.
Berean Standard Bible
“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.
American Standard Version
And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one question, which if ye tell me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things.
World English Bible Messianic
Yeshua answered them, “I also will ask you one question, which if you tell me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Iesus answered and said vnto them, I also will aske of you a certaine thing, which if ye tell me, I likewise will tell you by what authoritie I doe these things.
Young's Literal Translation
And Jesus answering said to them, `I will ask you--I also--one word, which if ye may tell me, I also will tell you by what authority I do these things;
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Historical interpretation
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But if the Lord come seeking fruit with temptations, and one be found having nought of righteousness but only a profession of faith, which is leaves without fruit, he is soon withered, losing even his seeming faith; and every disciple makes this fig tree to wither, by making it be seen that he is void of Christ, as Peter said to Simon, Thy heart is not right in the sight of God (Acts 8:21.) For it is better that a deceitful fig tree which is thought to be alive, yet brings forth no fruit, should be withered up at the word of Christ's disciples, than that by an imposture it should steal aawy innocent hearts. Also there is in every unbeliever a mountain great in proportion to his unbelief, which is removed by the words of Christ's disciples.
But some one will say in opposition to this, that it was absurd to ask by what authority Jesus did these things. For that it could not be that He would answer, that He did these by the Devil's authority; and He would not tell them as it truly was, that He did them by His own power. If it should be said, that the rulers put this question to Him in order to deter Him from His proceedings; as when we say to one who is dealing with what is ours in a way which we do not like, we say to him, Who bade thee do this? meaning to deter him from what he is so doing;—if it is to be taken so, what means Christ's answer, Do you tell Me this, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Perhaps therefore, the place should be understood as follows. There are in the general two opposite powers, one on the side of God, the other on the side of the Devil; but of particular powers there are many; for it was not one and the same power that wrought in all the Prophets to enable them to do miracles, but one in these, another in those; and, it may be, for lesser things a lesser power, for greater things a greater power. The Chief Priests had seen Jesus working many miracles, whereupon they desired to know the special degree and properties of that power which wrought in Him. For others who have wrought miracles wrought them at first in one power, and afterwards when more advanced in another and greater power; but the Saviour wrought all in one power, that which He received of the Father. But because they were not worthy to hear such mysteries, therefore He gives them no answer, but on the contrary put a question to them.
Or in these words they urge the same cavil as above, when they said, He casteth out demons through Beelzebub the Prince of the demons. (Mat. 12:24.) For when they say, By what authority doest thou these things? they doubt concerning the power of God, and would have it understood that the things He does are of the Devil. But when they add, Who gave thee this authority? they most clearly deny the Son of God, whom they suppose to work miracles, not by His own, but by others' strength. The Lord could have confuted the calumny of His tempters by a simple answer, but He put a question to them of such skilful contrivance, that they must be condemned either by their silence or their knowledge; Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one question.
What the Priests revolved in their malice is shown when he adds, But they reasoned with themselves. For had they replied that it was from heaven, the question was inevitable, Why then were ye not baptized by John? But should they reply that it was an invention of human device, and had in it nothing divine, they feared a tumult among the people. For all the assembled multitudes had received John's baptism, and held him accordingly for a Prophet. This godless party therefore make answer, and by a seeming humility of speech confessing that they know not, turned to hide their insidious designs. And they answered Jesus, and said, We know not. In saying that they knew not, they lied; and it might have followed upon their answering thus, that the Lord also should say, I know not; but truth cannot lie, and therefore it follows, And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things. This shows that they knew, but would not answer, and that He also knew, but would not answer, because they would not speak what they knew.
(Verse 24 onwards) But Jesus, answering, said to them: I will also ask you one question, which if you tell me, I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, whence was it? From heaven or from men? But they thought within themselves, saying: If we say, From heaven, he will say to us: Why then did you not believe him? But if we say, From men, we are afraid of the multitude: for all held John as a prophet. And answering Jesus, they said: We do not know. This is what is commonly said: A bad knot of a tree, a bad nail or wedge must be driven in. The Lord could have refuted the calumny of the tempters with an open response, but He wisely asks a question, so that they themselves, either by silence or by their answer, may be condemned. For if they had answered that the baptism of John was from heaven (as they cleverly handled in their malice), the consequent response would have been: Why then were you not baptized by John? If they had wanted to say that it was a human invention and had nothing divine, they feared the rebellion of the people. For all the crowds had received John's baptism in groups, and they held him as a prophet. Therefore, the most impious faction responded and, using the word of humility by which they claimed not to know, used it to plot deceit.
The Priests were tormented with jealousy, because they had seen Christ entering the Temple in great glory. And not being able to master the fire of jealousy which burnt in their breasts, they break forth in speech.
By that they add, Or who gave thee this authority? they show that there be many persons who give power to men, whether corporal or spiritual! as though they had said, Thou art not come of a priestly family; the Senate has not conferred on Thee this power, neither has Cæsar granted it. But had they believed that all power is from God, they would never have asked, Who gave thee this authority? For every man judges of others by himself. The fornicator thinks that none are chaste; the chaste does not readily suspect any of fornication; he who is not a Priest of God, thinks no man's Priesthood to be of God.
Not that they should answer it, and thereupon hear of Christ the answer to their question, but that being puzzled they should ask Him no farther; according to that precept He had given above, Give not that which is holy to the dogs. (Mat. 7:6.) For even if He had told them, it would have profited nothing, because the darkened will cannot perceive the things that are of the light. For him that enquires we ought to instruct, but him that tempts, to overthrow by a stroke of reasoning, but not to publish to him the power of the mystery. The Lord thus sets before them in His question a dilemma; and that they might not escape Him, says, Which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things. His question is this; The baptism of John whence was it? from heaven, or of men?
There are two reasons why the knowledge of truth should be kept back from those who ask; either when he who asks is unfit to receive, or from his hatred or contempt of the truth is unworthy to have that which he asks opened to him.
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
In Matthew 21:24, Jesus masterfully responds to the chief priests and elders who challenge His authority in the Temple. Rather than directly answering their hostile inquiry, He poses a counter-question regarding the source of John the Baptist's authority. This strategic move exposes the religious leaders' intellectual dishonesty and fear of the people, demonstrating Jesus' profound wisdom and His refusal to be trapped by their manipulative tactics, while implicitly asserting the divine origin of His own actions.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated during the pivotal Passion Week, immediately following Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11) and His dramatic cleansing of the Temple (Matthew 21:12-17). The religious establishment, particularly the chief priests and elders, are deeply threatened by Jesus' popular acclaim and His authoritative actions within their domain. Their challenge in Matthew 21:23, "By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?", directly sets the stage for Jesus' counter-question in verse 24, initiating a profound verbal confrontation that highlights the clash between divine and human authority.
Historical & Cultural Context
The setting is the Temple courts in Jerusalem during Passover, a time of heightened religious and political tension. Jewish religious leaders, particularly the Sanhedrin (represented here by the chief priests and elders), held significant authority over religious law and practice. Rabbinic tradition often involved disputation and counter-questioning as a form of intellectual engagement and teaching. Jesus' interrogators were not seeking genuine understanding but rather an admission from Him that would allow them to accuse Him of blasphemy or sedition, thereby justifying His arrest. His response, therefore, must be understood within this adversarial context, where public perception and the fear of popular uprising played a significant role in the leaders' calculations.
Key Themes
The central theme is the nature and source of authority. The religious leaders believed authority flowed through their established institutions, while Jesus consistently demonstrated an authority that transcended human appointment, stemming directly from God. Jesus' response also highlights themes of wisdom and discernment, as He refuses to fall into their trap, instead turning the tables to expose their hypocrisy and spiritual blindness. By linking His authority to John the Baptist's, Jesus forces them to confront their own inconsistent rejection of God's messengers, a theme further developed in the parables that follow, such as the Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32) and the Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Matthew 21:33-46).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term signifies not merely permission, but inherent power, privilege, and the right to act. The religious leaders were questioning both Jesus' moral and spiritual right, and His intrinsic power, to perform the miracles, teach, and cleanse the Temple. Jesus' counter-question implicitly raises the issue of the source of such authority—whether it is "from heaven" or "from men," directly addressing the core of their challenge.
While often translated as "ask" or "question," this verb can also carry the nuance of "request" or "interrogate." Here, it denotes Jesus' strategic act of posing a question back to His interrogators. It's not a simple inquiry but a calculated move to expose their motives and force them into a dilemma, demonstrating His control over the discourse.
This versatile word, often translated as "word" or "reason," here refers to a "matter" or "topic" of discussion. Jesus states He will ask them "one thing" (ἓν λόγον), indicating a single, decisive point that will determine the course of the conversation and expose the true nature of their challenge. It is a specific, pointed issue designed to reveal their hypocrisy.
Verse Breakdown
"And Jesus answered and said unto them,"
This phrase sets the scene for Jesus' response, emphasizing that His words are a direct reply to the challenge posed by the chief priests and elders in Matthew 21:23. It highlights His composure and control in the face of hostility.
"I also will ask you one thing,"
Jesus immediately turns the tables, indicating that He will not directly answer their question but will instead pose His own. The "I also" (καγὼ - kagō) underscores the reciprocal nature of the challenge, asserting His right to interrogate them just as they interrogated Him. This "one thing" is the pivotal question about John the Baptist.
"which if ye tell me,"
This clause establishes a clear condition for Jesus' subsequent disclosure. He places the burden of response back on His accusers, demanding their answer first. This is not a genuine request for information, as Jesus already knows the truth, but a rhetorical strategy to reveal their unwillingness to speak the truth.
"I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things."
Jesus promises to reveal the source of His authority, but only if they answer His question. This conditional statement highlights their hypocrisy: they demand an answer from Him but are unwilling to provide one themselves when faced with a difficult truth. It implicitly links His authority to the same divine source as John's, which they dared not deny publicly.
Literary Devices
Matthew 21:24 masterfully employs several literary devices. The primary device is the Rhetorical Question, where Jesus does not directly answer His interrogators' challenge but poses a question back to them, not seeking information but rather to expose their motives and corner them. This is a classic example of Socratic Method (or more appropriately, rabbinic argumentation), where a series of questions leads an opponent to a self-incriminating conclusion. There is also a subtle Irony at play: the religious leaders, who pride themselves on their wisdom and authority, are rendered speechless and exposed as intellectually dishonest by a simple counter-question. Jesus' conditional promise, "which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you," functions as a Strategic Deflection, diverting the immediate confrontation while simultaneously elevating the discourse to a higher moral and theological plane, revealing the true nature of authority.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Matthew 21:24 is a crucial moment demonstrating Jesus' divine wisdom and His unique approach to hostile questioning. It underscores the profound theological truth that true authority originates from God, not from human institutions or traditions. The religious leaders' inability to answer Jesus' question about John's baptism reveals their fear of man over God, their spiritual blindness, and their ultimate rejection of God's messengers, including John and, by extension, Jesus Himself. This passage highlights the clash between earthly, self-serving power and divine, truth-revealing authority, setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent parables that further condemn the religious establishment for their unfaithfulness.
Reflection and Application
Jesus' encounter in Matthew 21:24 offers profound lessons for believers today in navigating challenging interactions and discerning true authority. It teaches us that not every question deserves a direct answer, especially when the interrogator's motive is to trap, malign, or undermine rather than to genuinely learn or understand. Jesus models a divine wisdom that transcends mere factual knowledge, demonstrating the importance of discerning the heart and intentions behind questions. We are called to exercise wisdom in our responses, sometimes turning the focus back on the questioner to expose hypocrisy or to reveal deeper truths. Furthermore, this passage serves as a powerful reminder that genuine spiritual authority comes from God alone, not from human titles, positions, or traditions. Believers must always prioritize discerning and submitting to divine authority, even when it challenges human-established power structures that may oppose God's will.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Jesus respond with a question instead of directly answering the chief priests and elders?
Jesus' response was a masterful strategic move, not a genuine request for information. The religious leaders were not seeking truth but attempting to trap Him and find grounds for accusation (see Matthew 21:23). By asking about John the Baptist's authority, Jesus forced them into a dilemma: if they said John's baptism was "from heaven," they would validate John's testimony about Jesus and condemn themselves for not believing him; if they said "from men," they feared the people, who regarded John as a prophet. Their inability to answer exposed their hypocrisy and fear of man, demonstrating Jesus' superior wisdom and control of the situation.
What was the significance of John the Baptist's baptism in this exchange?
John the Baptist's ministry was widely recognized by the people as divinely inspired (see Matthew 21:26). By linking His authority to the source of John's, Jesus implicitly asserted the divine origin of His own actions. John had prepared the way for Jesus and testified to Him as the Messiah (e.g., John 1:29-34). The religious leaders' rejection of John's divine mandate thus served as a pre-existing condemnation of their rejection of Jesus, making their hypocrisy evident to all.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Matthew 21:24, while seemingly a tactical exchange, profoundly points to the Christ-centered fulfillment of all authority. Jesus' refusal to submit to the earthly religious leaders' demand for an explanation of His authority underscores that His power does not derive from human appointment or institutional validation, but from His inherent divine nature and His unique relationship with the Father. He is the one to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" (Matthew 28:18), a truth fully revealed after His resurrection. This passage foreshadows His ultimate judicial authority, as He is the Son to whom the Father has "given authority to execute judgment because he is the Son of Man" (John 5:27). The religious leaders' rejection of His divine authority ultimately led to their condemnation, while those who acknowledge His sovereign power and submit to His Lordship find salvation and life in Him, for "God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11).