Luke 20:4

4 The baptism of John, was it of 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 and spoke to him saying, Tell us by what authority thou doest these things, or who is it who has given thee this authority?

3 And he answering said to them, *I* also will ask you [one] thing, and tell me:

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

5 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, If we should say, Of heaven, he will say, Why have ye not believed him?

6 but if we should say, Of men, the whole people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.