Luke 20:4

4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of 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 spoke to him, saying: Tell us, by what authority dost thou these things? Or, who is he that hath given thee this authority?

3 And Jesus answering, said to them: I will also ask you one thing. Answer me:

4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?

5 But they thought within themselves, saying: If we shall say, From heaven: he will say: Why then did you not believe in him?

6 But if we say, of men: the whole people will stone us. For they are persuaded that John was a prophet.