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 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.
7
And they made answer that they had no idea where it came from.
8
And Jesus said, And I will not make clear to you by what authority I do these things.
9
And he gave the people this story: A man made a vine-garden and gave the use of it to some field-workers and went into another country for a long time.
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