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