Luke 20:4

4 the baptism of John, from heaven was it, or from 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 spake unto him, saying, `Tell us by what authority thou dost these things? or who is he that gave to thee this authority?'

3 And he answering said unto them, `I will question you -- I also -- one thing, and tell me:

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

5 And they reasoned with themselves, saying -- `If we may say, From heaven, he will say, Wherefore, then, did ye not believe him?

6 and if we may say, From men, all the people will stone us, for they are having been persuaded John to be a prophet.'