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 unto Him, saying, "Tell us by what authority doest thou these things? Or who is he that gave thee this authority?

3 And He answered and said unto them, "I will also ask you one thing, and answer Me:

4 The baptism of John -- was it from Heaven, or of men?"

5 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "If we shall say `From Heaven,' he will say, `Why then have ye not believed him?'

6 But if we say, `Of men,' all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet."