Ver. 7 And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was. ] Whether from heaven, or of men; in this, no doubt, they told an untruth: but they chose rather to sacrifice their consciences than their interest, and pretend ignorance rather than profess the truth, when they saw they should be put to confusion, or be exposed to the resentments of the people.
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."
7
And they answered that they could not tell from whence it was.
8
And Jesus said unto them, "Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things."
9
Then He began to speak to the people this parable: "A certain man planted a vineyard and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.
Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved.