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 reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why did ye not believe him?
6
But if we shall say, From men; all the 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 unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
9
And he began to speak unto the people this parable: A man planted a vineyard, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into another country for a long time.
The American Standard Version is in the public domain.