Ver. 7 And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was. ] Whether from heaven, or of men; in this, no doubt, they told an untruth: but they chose rather to sacrifice their consciences than their interest, and pretend ignorance rather than profess the truth, when they saw they should be put to confusion, or be exposed to the resentments of the people.
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."
9
And he began to tell the people this parable: "A man planted a vineyard, and let it out to tenants, and went into another country for a long while.
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.