Luke 20:4

4 About the baptism of John - who authorized it, heaven or humans?"

Luke 20:4 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 20:4

The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?
] This was a new ordinance, and John must have his authority for administering it either from God, or from men; and Christ is desirous to know from which he derived it in their opinion; suggesting, that by the same authority John, his forerunner, came baptizing, he himself came preaching and working miracles; (See Gill on Matthew 21:25).

Luke 20:4 In-Context

2 him and demanded, "Show us your credentials. Who authorized you to speak and act like this?"

3 Jesus answered, "First, let me ask you a question:

4 About the baptism of John - who authorized it, heaven or humans?"

5 They were on the spot, and knew it. They pulled back into a huddle and whispered, "If we say 'heaven,' he'll ask us why we didn't believe him;

6 if we say 'humans,' the people will tear us limb from limb, convinced as they are that John was God's prophet."