Luke 20:4

4 The baptism of John--was [it] from heaven or from 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 said, saying to him, "Tell us, by what authority you are doing these [things], or who is the one who gave you this authority?

3 And he answered [and] said to them, "I also will ask you a question, and you tell me:

4 The baptism of John--was [it] from heaven or from men?

5 And they discussed [this] with one another, saying, "If we say 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Why did you not believe him?'

6 But if we say, 'From men,' all the people will stone us to death, because they are convinced [that] John was a prophet."