Mark 11:30

30 About the baptism of John - who authorized it: heaven or humans? Tell 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 demanded, "Show us your credentials. Who authorized you to speak and act like this?"

29 Jesus responded, "First let me ask you a question. Answer my question and then I'll present my credentials.

30 About the baptism of John - who authorized it: heaven or humans? Tell me."

31 They were on the spot, and knew it. They pulled back into a huddle and whispered, "If we say 'heaven,' he'll ask us why we didn't believe John;

32 if we say 'humans,' we'll be up against it with the people because they all hold John up as a prophet."