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
So they debated the matter with one another. "If we say `Heavenly,'" they argued, "he will say, `Why did you not believe him?'
6
And if we say, `human,' the people will all stone us; for they are thoroughly convinced that John was a Prophet."
7
And they answered that they did not know the origin of it.
8
"Nor will I tell you," said Jesus, "by what authority I do these things."
9
Then He proceeded to speak a parable to the people. "There was a man," He said, "who planted a vineyard, let it out to vine-dressers, and went abroad for a considerable time.
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