1. And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he was teaching the people in the temple, and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him, with the elders,
2. And spoke to 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 to them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:
4. The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men?
5. And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?
6. But if we say, From 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 whence it was.
8. And Jesus said to them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.