The Authority of Jesus Questioned

27

And they come again to Jerusalem. And when he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests and the scribes and the ancients.

28

And they say to him: By what authority dost thou these things? And who hath given thee this authority that thou shouldst do these things?

29

And Jesus answering, said to them: I will also ask you one word. And answer you 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

But they thought with themselves, saying: If we say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did you not believe him?

32

If we say, From men, we fear the people. For all men counted John that he was a prophet indeed.

33

And they answering, say to Jesus: We know not. And Jesus answering, saith to them: Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.