Mark 11:32

32 Or should we say, `human?'" They were afraid of the people; for all agreed in holding John to have been really a Prophet.

Mark 11:32 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 11:32

But if we shall say, of men
That John's baptism was an human invention, and he had no authority from God to preach and administer it,

they feared the people;
lest being enraged thereby they should, at once, rise up, and destroy them:

for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed;
a real prophet, one truly sent from God, and had his commission and credentials from him: this was the general sentiment of the people; (See Gill on Matthew 21:26).

Mark 11:32 In-Context

30 John's Baptism--was it of Heavenly or of human origin? Answer me."

31 So they debated the matter with one another. "Suppose we say, `Heavenly,'" they argued, "he will ask, `Why then did you not believe him?'

32 Or should we say, `human?'" They were afraid of the people; for all agreed in holding John to have been really a Prophet.

33 So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." "Nor do I tell you," said Jesus, "by what authority I do these things."