Luke 20:4

4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven or of men?

Luke 20:4 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 20:4

The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?
] This was a new ordinance, and John must have his authority for administering it either from God, or from men; and Christ is desirous to know from which he derived it in their opinion; suggesting, that by the same authority John, his forerunner, came baptizing, he himself came preaching and working miracles; (See Gill on Matthew 21:25).

Luke 20:4 In-Context

2 That the chief priests and the scribes and the rulers of the people came to him and said, Make clear to us by what authority you do these things and who gave you this authority.

3 And in answer he said to them, I will put a question to you, and do you give me an answer:

4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven or of men?

5 And they said among themselves, If we say, From heaven; he will say, Why did you not have faith in him?

6 But if we say, Of men; we will be stoned by the people, for they are certain that John was a prophet.