Matthew 21:24

24 Jesus answered them, "I also will ask you one question, which if you tell me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things.

Matthew 21:24 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 21:24

And Jesus answered and said unto them
Not by replying directly to their question, but by putting another question to them, whereby he escaped the snare he saw they laid for him:

I also will ask you one thing,
word, or question,

which if ye tell me;
honestly, and plainly answer to it,

I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things:
which was putting the thing upon such a foot, and in such a form, as they could not well object to; for Christ promises, that if they would return a plain answer to the question he had to put to them, and which was no unreasonable, nor impertinent one, he would thoroughly satisfy them in this point; and expressly declare his commission and authority, what it was, and from whence he had it. The question is as follows:

Matthew 21:24 In-Context

22 All things, whatever you will ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."

23 When he had come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, "By what authority do you do these things? Who gave you this authority?"

24 Jesus answered them, "I also will ask you one question, which if you tell me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things.

25 The baptism of John, where was it from? From heaven or from men?" They reasoned with themselves, saying, "If we will say, 'From heaven,' he will tell us, 'Why then did you not believe him?'

26 But if we will say, 'From men,' we fear the multitude, for all hold John as a prophet."