The Authority of Jesus Questioned

27

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;

28

and they said unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? or who gave thee this authority to do these things?

29

And Jesus said unto them, I will ask of 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 from heaven, or from men? answer me.

31

And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?

32

But should we say, From men—they feared the people: for all verily held John to be a prophet.

33

And they answered Jesus and say, We know not. And Jesus saith unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.