1
One day, as he was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders came up
2
and said to him, "Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority."
3
He answered them, "I also will ask you a question; now tell me,
4
Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?"
5
And they discussed it with one another, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Why did you not believe him?'
6
But if we say, 'From men,' all the people will stone us; for they are convinced that John was a prophet."
7
So they answered that they did not know whence it was.
8
And Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. (Revised Standard Version)
