1
And it came to pass that on one of the days, as he was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes, with the ancients, met together,
2
And spoke to him, saying: Tell us, by what authority dost thou these things? Or, who is he that hath given thee this authority?
3
And Jesus answering, said to them: I will also ask you one thing. Answer me:
4
The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?
5
But they thought within themselves, saying: If we shall say, From heaven: he will say: Why then did you not believe in him?
6
But if we say, of men: the whole people will stone us. For they are persuaded that John was a prophet.
7
And they answered that they knew not whence it was.
8
And Jesus said to them: Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.
9
And he began to speak to the people this parable: A certain man planted a vineyard and let it out to husbandmen: and he was abroad for a long time.