Mark 11:32

32 But if we say, From men--they were in fear of the people, because all took John to be truly a prophet.

Mark 11:32 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 11:32

But if we shall say, of men
That John's baptism was an human invention, and he had no authority from God to preach and administer it,

they feared the people;
lest being enraged thereby they should, at once, rise up, and destroy them:

for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed;
a real prophet, one truly sent from God, and had his commission and credentials from him: this was the general sentiment of the people; (See Gill on Matthew 21:26).

Mark 11:32 In-Context

30 The baptism of John, was it from heaven or from men? give me an answer.

31 And they gave thought to it among themselves, saying, If we say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did you not have faith in him?

32 But if we say, From men--they were in fear of the people, because all took John to be truly a prophet.

33 And they said in answer to Jesus, We have no idea. And Jesus said to them, And I will not say to you by what authority I do these things.