Mark 11:30

30 The baptism of John, was it of heaven or of men? Respond unto me.

Mark 11:30 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 11:30

The baptism of John
The doctrine of which he was the first preacher, and the ordinance of which he was the first administrator:

was it from heaven, or of men?
was it of divine or of human institution?

answer me;
directly and plainly, without any shuffling, or evasion: it is a fair question, and may be answered; and the answer to it our Lord suggests would naturally lead to a proper one to their question; (See Gill on Matthew 21:25).

Mark 11:30 In-Context

28 and said unto him, By what faculty doest thou these things? and who gave thee this faculty to do these things?

29 Then Jesus, answering, said unto them, I will also ask of you one word, and respond unto me, and I will tell you with what faculty I do these things.

30 The baptism of John, was it of heaven or of men? Respond unto me.

31 Then they thought inside themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven, he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?

32 But if we shall say, Of men, we fear the people, for everyone judged regarding John that he truly was a prophet.