Luke 20:4

4 Was John's baptism of heavenly or of human origin?"

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 They said, "Tell us: What kind of authority do you have for doing these things? Who gave you this authority?"

3 He replied, "I have a question for you. Tell me:

4 Was John's baptism of heavenly or of human origin?"

5 They discussed among themselves, "If we say, ‘It's of heavenly origin,' he'll say, ‘Why didn't you believe him?'

6 But if we say, ‘It's of human origin,' all the people will stone us to death because they are convinced that John was a prophet."