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 then did ye not believe him?
6
But and if we say, Of men, all the people will stone us; for they are certain that John was a prophet.
7
And they answered that they knew not from where.
8
Then Jesus said unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.
9
And he began to speak this parable to the people: A certain man planted a vineyard and let it out to husbandmen and went into a far country for a long time.