Luke 20:4

4 When John baptized people, was that authority from God or just from other people?"

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 saying, "Tell us what authority you have to do these things? Who gave you this authority?"

3 Jesus answered, "I will also ask you a question. Tell me:

4 When John baptized people, was that authority from God or just from other people?"

5 They argued about this, saying, "If we answer, 'John's baptism was from God,' Jesus will say, 'Then why did you not believe him?'

6 But if we say, 'It was from other people,' all the people will stone us to death, because they believe John was a prophet."