1 And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,
2 And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him.
3 And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.
4 And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him.
5 And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt?
6 And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go.
7 And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him.
8 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.
9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:
10 Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.
11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.
12 And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:
13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.
14 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.
15 And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;
16 And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.
17 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.
18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.
19 And when even was come, he went out of the city.
20 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.
21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
27 And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders,
28 And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?
29 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.
30 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.
31 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
32 But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed.
33 And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.
1 And G2532 when G3753 they came nigh G1448 to G1519 Jerusalem, G2419 unto G1519 Bethphage G967 and G2532 Bethany, G963 at G4314 the mount G3735 of Olives, G1636 he sendeth forth G649 two G1417 of his G846 disciples, G3101
2 And G2532 saith G3004 unto them, G846 Go your way G5217 into G1519 the village G2968 over against G2713 you: G5216 and G2532 as soon as G2112 ye be entered G1531 into G1519 it, G846 ye shall find G2147 a colt G4454 tied, G1210 whereon G1909 G3739 never G3762 man G444 sat; G2523 loose G3089 him, G846 and bring G71 him.
3 And G2532 if G1437 any man G5100 say G2036 unto you, G5213 Why G5101 do ye G4160 this? G5124 say ye G2036 that G3754 the Lord G2962 hath G2192 need G5532 of him; G846 and G2532 straightway G2112 he will send G649 him G846 hither. G5602
4 And G1161 they went their way, G565 and G2532 found G2147 the colt G4454 tied G1210 by G4314 the door G2374 without G1854 in G1909 a place where two ways met; G296 and G2532 they loose G3089 him. G846
5 And G2532 certain of them G5100 that stood G2476 there G1563 said G3004 unto them, G846 What G5101 do ye, G4160 loosing G3089 the colt? G4454
6 And G1161 they said G2036 unto them G846 even as G2531 Jesus G2424 had commanded: G1781 and G2532 they let G863 them G846 go. G863
7 And G2532 they brought G71 the colt G4454 to G4314 Jesus, G2424 and G2532 cast G1911 their G846 garments G2440 on G1911 him; G846 and G2532 he sat G2523 upon G1909 him. G846
8 And G1161 many G4183 spread G4766 their G846 garments G2440 in G1519 the way: G3598 and G1161 others G243 cut down G2875 branches G4746 off G1537 the trees, G1186 and G2532 strawed G4766 them in G1519 the way. G3598
9 And G2532 they that went before, G4254 and G2532 they that followed, G190 cried, G2896 saying, G3004 Hosanna; G5614 Blessed G2127 is he that cometh G2064 in G1722 the name G3686 of the Lord: G2962
10 Blessed G2127 be the kingdom G932 of our G2257 father G3962 David, G1138 that cometh G2064 in G1722 the name G3686 of the Lord: G2962 Hosanna G5614 in G1722 the highest. G5310
11 And G2532 Jesus G2424 entered G1525 into G1519 Jerusalem, G2414 and G2532 into G1519 the temple: G2411 and G2532 when he had looked round about upon G4017 all things, G3956 and now G2235 the eventide G3798 G5610 was come, G5607 he went out G1831 unto G1519 Bethany G963 with G3326 the twelve. G1427
12 And G2532 on the morrow, G1887 when they G846 were come G1831 from G575 Bethany, G963 he was hungry: G3983
13 And G2532 seeing G1492 a fig tree G4808 afar off G3113 having G2192 leaves, G5444 he came, G2064 if G1487 haply G686 he might find G2147 any thing G5100 thereon: G1722 G846 and G2532 when he came G2064 to G1909 it, G846 he found G2147 nothing G3762 but G1508 leaves; G5444 for G1063 the time G2540 of figs G4810 was G2258 not G3756 yet.
14 And G2532 Jesus G2424 answered G611 and said G2036 unto it, G846 No man G3367 eat G5315 fruit G2590 of G1537 thee G4675 hereafter G3371 for G1519 ever. G165 And G2532 his G846 disciples G3101 heard G191 it.
15 And G2532 they come G2064 to G1519 Jerusalem: G2414 and G2532 Jesus G2424 went G1525 into G1519 the temple, G2411 and began G756 to cast out G1544 them that sold G4453 and G2532 bought G59 in G1722 the temple, G2411 and G2532 overthrew G2690 the tables G5132 of the moneychangers, G2855 and G2532 the seats G2515 of them G846 that sold G4453 doves; G4058
16 And G2532 would G863 not G3756 suffer G863 that G2443 any man G5100 should carry G1308 any vessel G4632 through G1223 the temple. G2411
17 And G2532 he taught, G1321 saying G3004 unto them, G846 Is it G1125 not G3756 written, G1125 G3754 My G3450 house G3624 shall be called G2564 of all G3956 nations G1484 the house G3624 of prayer? G4335 but G1161 ye G5210 have made G4160 it G846 a den G4693 of thieves. G3027
18 And G2532 the scribes G1122 and G2532 chief priests G749 heard G191 it, and G2532 sought G2212 how G4459 they might destroy G622 him: G846 for G1063 they feared G5399 him, G846 because G3754 all G3956 the people G3793 was astonished G1605 at G1909 his G846 doctrine. G1322
19 And G2532 when G3753 even G3796 was come, G1096 he went G1607 out of G1854 the city. G4172
20 And G2532 in the morning, G4404 as they passed by, G3899 they saw G1492 the fig tree G4808 dried up G3583 from G1537 the roots. G4491
21 And G2532 Peter G4074 calling to remembrance G363 saith G3004 unto him, G846 Master, G4461 behold, G2396 the fig tree G4808 which G3739 thou cursedst G2672 is withered away. G3583
22 And G2532 Jesus G2424 answering G611 saith G3004 unto them, G846 Have G2192 faith G4102 in God. G2316
23 For G1063 verily G281 I say G3004 unto you, G5213 That G3754 whosoever G3739 G302 shall say G2036 unto this G5129 mountain, G3735 Be thou removed, G142 and G2532 be thou cast G906 into G1519 the sea; G2281 and G2532 shall G1252 not G3361 doubt G1252 in G1722 his G846 heart, G2588 but G235 shall believe G4100 that G3754 those things which G3739 he saith G3004 shall come to pass; G1096 he G846 shall have G2071 whatsoever G3739 G1437 he saith. G2036
24 Therefore G1223 G5124 I say G3004 unto you, G5213 What G3745 things G3956 soever G302 ye desire, G154 when ye pray, G4336 believe G4100 that G3754 ye receive G2983 them, and G2532 ye G5213 shall have G2071 them.
25 And G2532 when G3752 ye stand G4739 praying, G4336 forgive, G863 if G1536 ye have G2192 ought G1536 against G2596 any: G5100 that G2443 your G5216 Father G3962 also G2532 which G3588 is in G1722 heaven G3772 may forgive G863 you G5213 your G5216 trespasses. G3900
26 But G1161 if G1487 ye G5210 do G863 not G3756 forgive, G863 neither G3761 will G863 your G5216 Father G3962 which G3588 is in G1722 heaven G3772 forgive G863 your G5216 trespasses. G3900
27 And G2532 they come G2064 again G3825 to G1519 Jerusalem: G2414 and G2532 as he G846 was walking G4043 in G1722 the temple, G2411 there come G2064 to G4314 him G846 the chief priests, G749 and G2532 the scribes, G1122 and G2532 the elders, G4245
28 And G2532 say G3004 unto him, G846 By G1722 what G4169 authority G1849 doest thou G4160 these things? G5023 and G2532 who G5101 gave G1325 thee G4671 this G5026 authority G1849 to G2443 do G4160 these things? G5023
29 And G1161 Jesus G2424 answered G611 and said G2036 unto them, G846 I will G1905 also G2504 ask G1905 of you G5209 one G1520 question, G3056 and G2532 answer G611 me, G3427 and G2532 I will tell G2046 you G5213 by G1722 what G4169 authority G1849 I do G4160 these things. G5023
30 The baptism G908 of John, G2491 was G2258 it from G1537 heaven, G3772 or G2228 of G1537 men? G444 answer G611 me. G3427
31 And G2532 they reasoned G3049 with G4314 themselves, G1438 saying, G3004 If G1437 we shall say, G2036 From G1537 heaven; G3772 he will say, G2046 Why G1302 then G3767 did ye G4100 not G3756 believe G4100 him? G846
32 But G235 if G1437 we shall say, G2036 Of G1537 men; G444 they feared G5399 the people: G2992 for G1063 all G537 men counted G2192 John, G2491 that G3754 he was G2258 a prophet G4396 indeed. G3689
33 And G2532 they answered G611 and said G3004 unto Jesus, G2424 We G1492 cannot G3756 tell. G1492 And G2532 Jesus G2424 answering G611 saith G3004 unto them, G846 Neither G3761 do I G1473 tell G3004 you G5213 by G1722 what G4169 authority G1849 I do G4160 these things. G5023
1 And when they draw nigh unto Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth two of his disciples,
2 and saith unto them, Go your way into the village that is over against you: and straightway as ye enter into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon no man ever yet sat; loose him, and bring him.
3 And if any one say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye, The Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him back hither.
4 And they went away, and found a colt tied at the door without in the open street; and they loose him.
5 And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt?
6 And they said unto them even as Jesus had said: and they let them go.
7 And they bring the colt unto Jesus, and cast on him their garments; and he sat upon him.
8 And many spread their garments upon the way; and others branches, which they had cut from the fields.
9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, Hosanna; Blessed `is' he that cometh in the name of the Lord:
10 Blessed `is' the kingdom that cometh, `the kingdom' of our father David: Hosanna in the highest.
11 And he entered into Jerusalem, into the temple; and when he had looked round about upon all things, it being now eventide, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.
12 And on the morrow, when they were come out from Bethany, he hungered.
13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find anything thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for it was not the season of figs.
14 And he answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit from thee henceforward for ever. And his disciples heard it.
15 And they come to Jerusalem: and he entered into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and them that bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold the doves;
16 and he would not suffer that any man should carry a vessel through the temple.
17 And he taught, and said unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations? but ye have made it a den of robbers.
18 And the chief priests and the scribes heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, for all the multitude was astonished at his teaching.
19 And every evening he went forth out of the city.
20 And as they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away from the roots.
21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Rabbi, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
23 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it.
24 Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
25 And whensoever ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any one; that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
26 `But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your trespasses.'
27 And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders;
28 and they said unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? or who gave thee this authority to do these things?
29 And Jesus said unto them, I will ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.
30 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men? answer me.
31 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; He will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
32 But should we say, From men--they feared the people: for all verily held John to be a prophet.
33 And they answered Jesus and say, We know not. And Jesus saith unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
1 And when they come nigh to Jerusalem, to Bethphage, and Bethany, unto the mount of the Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,
2 and saith to them, `Go away to the village that is over-against you, and immediately, entering into it, ye shall find a colt tied, on which no one of men hath sat, having loosed it, bring `it':
3 and if any one may say to you, Why do ye this? say ye that the lord hath need of it, and immediately he will send it hither.'
4 And they went away, and found the colt tied at the door without, by the two ways, and they loose it,
5 and certain of those standing there said to them, `What do ye -- loosing the colt?'
6 and they said to them as Jesus commanded, and they suffered them.
7 And they brought the colt unto Jesus, and did cast upon it their garments, and he sat upon it,
8 and many did spread their garments in the way, and others were cutting down branches from the trees, and were strewing in the way.
9 And those going before and those following were crying out, saying, `Hosanna! blessed `is' he who is coming in the name of the Lord;
10 blessed is the coming reign, in the name of the Lord, of our father David; Hosanna in the highest.'
11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple, and having looked round on all things, it being now evening, he went forth to Bethany with the twelve.
12 And on the morrow, they having come forth from Bethany, he hungered,
13 and having seen a fig-tree afar off having leaves, he came, if perhaps he shall find anything in it, and having come to it, he found nothing except leaves, for it was not a time of figs,
14 and Jesus answering said to it, `No more from thee -- to the age -- may any eat fruit;' and his disciples were hearing.
15 And they come to Jerusalem, and Jesus having gone into the temple, began to cast forth those selling and buying in the temple, and the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those selling the doves, he overthrew,
16 and he did not suffer that any might bear a vessel through the temple,
17 and he was teaching, saying to them, `Hath it not been written -- My house a house of prayer shall be called for all the nations, and ye did make it a den of robbers?'
18 And the scribes and the chief priests heard, and they were seeking how they shall destroy him, for they were afraid of him, because all the multitude was astonished at his teaching;
19 and when evening came, he was going forth without the city.
20 And in the morning, passing by, they saw the fig-tree having been dried up from the roots,
21 and Peter having remembered saith to him, `Rabbi, lo, the fig-tree that thou didst curse is dried up.'
22 And Jesus answering saith to them, `Have faith of God;
23 for verily I say to you, that whoever may say to this mount, Be taken up, and be cast into the sea, and may not doubt in his heart, but may believe that the things that he saith do come to pass, it shall be to him whatever he may say.
24 Because of this I say to you, all whatever -- praying -- ye do ask, believe that ye receive, and it shall be to you.
25 `And whenever ye may stand praying, forgive, if ye have anything against any one, that your Father also who is in the heavens may forgive you your trespasses;
26 and, if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in the heavens forgive your trespasses.'
27 And they come again to Jerusalem, and in the temple, as he is walking, there come unto him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders,
28 and they say to him, `By what authority dost thou these things? and who gave thee this authority that these things thou mayest do?'
29 And Jesus answering said to them, `I will question you -- I also -- one word; and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things;
30 the baptism of John -- from heaven was it? or from men? answer me.'
31 And they were reasoning with themselves, saying, `If we may say, From heaven, he will say, Wherefore, then, did ye not believe him?
32 But if we may say, From men,' -- they were fearing the people, for all were holding John that he was indeed a prophet;
33 and answering they say to Jesus, `We have not known;' and Jesus answering saith to them, `Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.'
1 And when they draw near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sends two of his disciples,
2 and says to them, Go into the village which is over against you, and immediately on entering into it ye will find a colt tied, upon which no [child] of man has ever sat: loose it and lead it [here].
3 And if any one say to you, Why do ye this? say, The Lord has need of it; and straightway he sends it hither.
4 And they departed, and found a colt bound to the door without at the crossway, and they loose him.
5 And some of those who stood there said to them, What are ye doing, loosing the colt?
6 And they said to them as Jesus had commanded. And they let them [do it].
7 And they led the colt to Jesus, and cast their clothes upon it, and he sat on it;
8 and many strewed their clothes on the way, and others cut down branches from the trees [and went on strewing them on the way].
9 And those going on before and those following cried out, Hosanna! blessed [be] he that comes in [the] Lord's name.
10 Blessed [be] the coming kingdom of our father David. Hosanna in the highest!
11 And he entered into Jerusalem and into the temple; and having looked round on all things, the hour being already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.
12 And on the morrow, when they were gone out of Bethany, he hungered.
13 And seeing from afar off a fig-tree which had leaves, he came, if perhaps he might find something on it. And having come up to it he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the time of figs.
14 And answering he said to it, Let no one eat fruit of thee any more for ever. And his disciples heard [it].
15 And they come to Jerusalem, and entering into the temple, he began to cast out those who sold and who bought in the temple, and he overthrew the tables of the moneychangers and the seats of the dove-sellers,
16 and suffered not that any one should carry any package through the temple.
17 And he taught saying to them, Is it not written, My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations? but *ye* have made it a den of robbers.
18 And the chief priests and the scribes heard [it], and they sought how they might destroy him; for they feared him, because all the crowd were astonished at his doctrine.
19 And when it was evening he went forth without the city.
20 And passing by early in the morning they saw the fig-tree dried up from the roots.
21 And Peter, remembering [what Jesus had said], says to him, Rabbi, see, the fig-tree which thou cursedst is dried up.
22 And Jesus answering says to them, Have faith in God.
23 Verily I say to you, that whosoever shall say to this mountain, Be thou taken away and cast into the sea, and shall not doubt in his heart, but believe that what he says takes place, whatever he shall say shall come to pass for him.
24 For this reason I say to you, All things whatsoever ye pray for and ask, believe that ye receive it, and it shall come to pass for you.
25 And when ye stand praying, forgive if ye have anything against any one, that your Father also who is in the heavens may forgive you your offences.
26 But if *ye* do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in the heavens forgive your offences.
27 And they come again to Jerusalem. And as he walked about in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders come to him,
28 and they say to him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority, that thou shouldest do these things?
29 And Jesus answering said to them, *I* also will ask you one thing, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things:
30 The baptism of John, was it of heaven, or of men? answer me.
31 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we should say, Of heaven, he will say, Why [then] have ye not believed him?
32 but should we say, Of men -- they feared the people; for all held of John that he was truly a prophet.
33 And they answering say to Jesus, We do not know. And Jesus [answering] says to them, Neither do *I* tell you by what authority I do these things.
1 When they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethsphage{TR reads "Bethphage" instead of "Bethsphage"} and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,
2 and said to them, "Go your way into the village that is opposite you. Immediately as you enter into it, you will find a young donkey tied, on which no one has sat. Untie him, and bring him.
3 If anyone asks you, 'Why are you doing this?' say, 'The Lord needs him;' and immediately he will send him back here."
4 They went away, and found a young donkey tied at the door outside in the open street, and they untied him.
5 Some of those who stood there asked them, "What are you doing, untying the young donkey?"
6 They said to them just as Jesus had said, and they let them go.
7 They brought the young donkey to Jesus, and threw their garments on it, and Jesus sat on it.
8 Many spread their garments on the way, and others were cutting down branches from the trees, and spreading them on the road.
9 Those who went in front, and those who followed, cried out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
10 Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"
11 Jesus entered into the temple in Jerusalem. When he had looked around at everything, it being now evening, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.
12 The next day, when they had come out from Bethany, he was hungry.
13 Seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came to see if perhaps he might find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs.
14 Jesus told it, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again!" and his disciples heard it.
15 They came to Jerusalem, and Jesus entered into the temple, and began to throw out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of those who sold the doves.
16 He would not allow anyone to carry a container through the temple.
17 He taught, saying to them, "Isn't it written, 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations?' But you have made it a den of robbers!"
18 The chief priests and the scribes heard it, and sought how they might destroy him. For they feared him, because all the multitude was astonished at his teaching.
19 When evening came, he went out of the city.
20 As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away from the roots.
21 Peter, remembering, said to him, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree which you cursed has withered away."
22 Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God.
23 For most assuredly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and doesn't doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is happening; he shall have whatever he says.
24 Therefore I tell you, all things whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them.
25 Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father, who is in heaven, may also forgive you your transgressions.
26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your transgressions."
27 They came again to Jerusalem, and as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders came to him,
28 and they began saying to him, "By what authority do you do these things? Or who gave you this authority to do these things?"
29 Jesus said to them, "I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.
30 The baptism of John -- was it from heaven, or from men? Answer me."
31 They reasoned with themselves, saying, "If we should say, 'From heaven;' he will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?'
32 If we should say, 'From men'"--they feared the people, for all held John to really be a prophet.
33 They answered Jesus, "We don't know." Jesus said to them, "Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things."
1 And when they came near to Jerusalem, to Beth-phage and Bethany, at the Mountain of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,
2 And said to them, Go into the little town opposite: and when you come to it, you will see a young ass with a cord round his neck, on which no man has ever been seated; let him loose, and come back with him.
3 And if anyone says to you, Why are you doing this? say, The Lord has need of him and will send him back straight away.
4 And they went away and saw a young ass by the door outside in the open street; and they were getting him loose.
5 And some of those who were there said to them, What are you doing, taking the ass?
6 And they said to them the words which Jesus had said; and they let them go.
7 And they took the young ass to Jesus, and put their clothing on him, and he got on his back.
8 And a great number put down their clothing in the way; and others put down branches which they had taken from the fields.
9 And those who went in front, and those who came after, were crying, Glory: A blessing on him who comes in the name of the Lord:
10 A blessing on the coming kingdom of our father David: Glory in the highest.
11 And he went into Jerusalem into the Temple; and after looking round about on all things, it being now evening, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.
12 And on the day after, when they had come out from Bethany, he was in need of food.
13 And seeing a fig-tree in the distance with leaves, he went to see if by chance it had anything on it: and when he came to it, he saw nothing but leaves, for it was not the time for the fruit.
14 And he said to it, Let no man take fruit from you for ever. And his disciples took note of his words.
15 And they came to Jerusalem; and he went into the Temple, and sent out those who were trading there, overturning the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who were offering doves for money;
16 And he would not let any man take a vessel through the Temple.
17 And he gave them teaching, and said to them, Is it not in the Writings, My house is to be named a house of prayer for all the nations? but you have made it a hole of thieves.
18 And it came to the ears of the chief priests and scribes, and they took thought how they might put him to death; being in fear of him, because all the people were full of wonder at his teaching.
19 And every evening he went out of the town.
20 And when they were going by in the morning, they saw the fig-tree dead from the roots.
21 And Peter, having a memory of it, said to him, Master, see, the tree which was cursed by you is dead.
22 And Jesus, answering, said to them, Have God's faith.
23 Truly I say to you, Whoever says to this mountain, Be taken up and be put into the sea; and has no doubt in his heart, but has faith that what he says will come about, he will have his desire.
24 For this reason I say to you, Whatever you make a request for in prayer, have faith that it has been given to you, and you will have it.
25 And whenever you make a prayer, let there be forgiveness in your hearts, if you have anything against anyone; so that you may have forgiveness for your sins from your Father who is in heaven.
26 []
27 And they came again to Jerusalem: and while he was walking in the Temple, there came to him the chief priests and the scribes and those in authority:
28 And they said to him, By what authority do you do these things? or who gave you authority to do these things?
29 And Jesus said to them, I will put to you one question; give me an answer, and I will say by what authority I do these things.
30 The baptism of John, was it from heaven or from men? give me an answer.
31 And they gave thought to it among themselves, saying, If we say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did you not have faith in him?
32 But if we say, From men--they were in fear of the people, because all took John to be truly a prophet.
33 And they said in answer to Jesus, We have no idea. And Jesus said to them, And I will not say to you by what authority I do these things.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » John Gill's Exposition of the Bible » Commentary on Mark 11
Commentary on Mark 11 John Gill's Exposition of the Bible
And when they came nigh to Jerusalem,.... The Syriac and Ethiopic versions read, "when he came nigh"; that is, Jesus; though not without his disciples, nor the multitude:
unto Bethphage and Bethany; two places so called, near Jerusalem: Bethphage began where Bethany ended, and reached to the city itself. The Vulgate Latin only makes mention of Bethany; See Gill on Matthew 21:1.
At the Mount of Olives; near which, the above places were:
he sendeth forth two of his disciples; perhaps Peter and John.
And saith unto them, go your way into the village,.... Either of Bethany or of Nob. The Ethiopic version renders it "the city", and so reads a copy of Stephens's: some have thought the city of Jerusalem is intended, but without any reason; See Gill on Matthew 21:9;
over against you. The Syriac and Persic versions read, "over against us": the sense is the same; for Christ and his disciples were together: this suits with either of the above mentioned places:
and as soon as ye be entered into it; are come to the town's end, and to one of the first houses in it,
ye shall find a colt tied: Matthew says, "an ass tied, and a colt with her", Matthew 21:2; both no doubt true:
whereon never man sat; which had never been backed and broke, and which makes it the more wonderful, that Christ should choose to ride upon it, and that that should quietly carry him:
loose him, and bring him; that is, away to me.
And if any man say unto you,.... As very likely they would, and it would be strange if they should not say something to them, especially the owners of it:
why do ye this? Why do ye untie the ass, and attempt to carry it away, when it is none of your own, and it belongs to another man?
Say ye that the Lord hath need of him; our Lord and yours, the Lord of heaven and earth, and all things in it; it looks as if this title, "the Lord", was what Jesus was well known by; see John 11:28; unless it can be thought, that the owners of the colt were such, that believed in Christ, as is not improbable; and so would at once understand by the language who it was for, and let it go:
and straightway he will send him, hither; as soon as ever he hears that the Lord, by whom he would presently understand Jesus, wanted him for his present purpose; he will send him with all readiness and cheerfulness, without the least hesitation, or making any dispute about it.
And they went their way,.... The two disciples went to the village, where Christ sent them, without objecting any difficulties that might present, in the execution of these orders:
and found the colt tied by the door without; in the street, fastened to the door of the owner's house, at the town's end:
in a place where two ways met; to go into and out of the village; at the corner house, where two ways met; so that the place was very public, and such an affair could not be transacted, without being seen:
and they loose him; as soon as ever they came to the place, they immediately began to untie the colt, and were going away with him.
And certain of them that stood there,.... The Ethiopic version reads, who walked there; who were either standing hard by, or walking about the place, being inhabitants of it; and either the owners of the colt, or their servants, or both:
said unto them, what do ye loosing the colt? What do ye mean by it? do you intend to take the colt away? what business have you with it? what right have you to do so? and what is your end in it?
And they said unto them,.... The very express words,
even as Jesus had commanded: not that these were the words they said, but "the Lord hath need of him": upon which they said no more, were satisfied and contented, that they should untie the colt, and take it with them:
and they let them go; and the colt with them, very freely; See Gill on Matthew 21:6.
And they brought the colt to Jesus,.... Where he was,
and cast their garments on him; their clothes to be instead of a saddle, for Christ to sit upon:
and he sat upon him; or "Jesus rode on him", as the Syriac version renders it. The Ethiopic version reads, "they made him to mount him"; that is, the disciples assisted him in getting upon it, and having mounted it, he sat on it without any trouble, though it had never been backed before, and rode on his way to Jerusalem; See Gill on Matthew 21:7.
And many spread their garments in the way,.... Instead of carpets to ride on, and in honour to him as a king:
and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way; in token of joy, as at the feast of tabernacles; See Gill on Matthew 21:8.
And they that went before, and they that followed,.... They that came from Jerusalem to meet him, and they that followed him from Jericho and other parts; which two bodies, the one went before him, and the other followed after him: and
cried, saying, Hosanna, blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; See Gill on Matthew 21:9.
Blessed be the kingdom of our father David,.... It was more usual with the Jews to call Abraham their father; but, because the Messiah was David's son, therefore, with respect to him, they here call him their father: and their meaning is, let the kingdom promised to our father David, and to his seed for ever,
that cometh in the name of the Lord; which is now coming, and appears in the auspicious reign and government of his son, the Messiah, who is clothed with majesty and authority; be prosperous and successful and be established, and endure for ever; to the glory and happiness of him as king, and of all the subjects of it. Unless the words should be rendered, as by their situation they may be, thus, "blessed be the kingdom that cometh in the name of the Lord, of our father David"; and the sense be, let the kingdom of the Messiah, which is now come, and is set up in his name, who, as God, is David s Lord, greatly flourish, and long continue; may its king be blessed, and all its subjects happy. The Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, and Persic versions, leave out the clause, "in the name of the Lord"; it is also left out in Beza's ancient copy, and in another; but the Ethiopic version retains it, reading it "in the name of God". It is added,
Hosanna in the highest: See Gill on Matthew 21:9.
And Jesus entered into Jerusalem,.... this public manner, riding upon an ass, with the multitude attending hin, some going before, and others after, crying, "Hosanna" to him:
and into the temple; which he rode up directly to; the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Persic, and Ethiopic versions, leave out the copulative "and"; his great concern being there; and having dismounted, and dismissed the colt, and sent it by proper persons to the owner of it, he went into the temple, into the court of the Gentiles; where he found and overturned the tables of the money changers, and the seats of them that sold doves, and healed the lame and the blind:
and when he had looked round about upon all things; that is, in the temple, as the Lord and proprietor of it; and made a thorough visitation of it, and search into it, and corrected what was amiss in it:
and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve; having spent great part of the day in reforming abuses in the temple, in healing diseases, and disputing with the chief priests and Scribes: the evening being come, he did not think fit, for some reasons, to stay in the city; but went out to Bethany, which was near two miles off, and lodged there; See Gill on Matthew 21:17.
And on the morrow,.... The next day early in the morning,
when they were come from Bethany; Christ, and his twelve disciples. The Syriac and Persic versions read, "when he came out of Bethany"; though not alone, but with the twelve disciples, who went with him there, and returned with him, as appears from Mark 11:14, as he and they came out of that place early in the morning, having ate nothing, before they came from thence,
he was hungry; See Gill on Matthew 21:18.
And seeing a fig tree afar off,.... By the wayside, at some distance from him:
having leaves; very large and spreading, which made a great show, as if there might be fruit on it:
he came; unto it; either he went out of his way to it, or having seen it before him a good way off, at length came up to it
if haply he might find any thing thereon; that is, any fruit; for he saw at a distance, there were leaves upon it; and which was the more remarkable, since it was the time of the fig tree just putting forth its tender branches, leaves, and fruit:
and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; no fruit at all upon it, contrary to his expectation as man, and the promising appearance the tree made:
for the time of figs was not yet; or, "for it was not the time of figs"; for the word "yet", is not in the text: and the words seem rather to be a reason, why Christ should not have expected fruit on it, than that he should: but the sense is, either because the time of gathering figs was not come; and since therefore they were not gathered, he might the rather hope to find some on it; or because it was not a kind season for figs, a good fig year; and this tree appearing in such a flourishing condition, might raise his expectation of finding fruit, yet he found none but leaves only; because it was so bad a season for figs, that even the most promising trees had none upon them: or this, tree being of an uncommon sort, though Christ expected to find no fruit on other trees, because the time of common: figs was not come, yet he might hope to, find some on this. Some critics neglecting the accents, render the words, "where he was, it was the season of figs"; See Gill on Matthew 21:19.
And Jesus answered and said unto it,.... The fig tree; a Jewish way of speaking, often used when nothing before is said; the Syriac, Arabic, and Persic versions, leave out the word "answered", as they do also the word "Jesus"; and which is likewise omitted by the Vulgate Latin, though the other is retained:
no man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever; which is all one, as if he had said, as the other evangelist does, let no fruit grow on thee; for where no fruit is, none can be had, or eaten of. This tree may not only be an emblem of the Jewish people, who made a great show of religion, and enjoyed a great many privileges; and from whom, speaking after the manner of men, the fruits of good works, righteousness, and holiness, might have been hoped and looked for; when instead thereof, there was nothing but talk about them, and an observance of some insignificant rites and traditions of the "elders"; on which account, utter ruin and destruction ensued; but also of any outward professor of religion, who enjoying the means of grace, and making great pretensions to devotion and piety, it might be expected that he should do good works, well pleasing to God, and bring forth fruit to the glory of his name: whereas he only talks of good works, but does none; at least, no fruits of grace and righteousness are to be found on him; and at the last day, he will be cast as dry wood, as a withered branch, into everlasting burnings, being fit fuel for them.
And his disciples heard it; "this saying", as the Persic version adds, and took notice of it, being in company with him.
And they came to Jerusalem,.... The Ethiopic version reads, "he came"; that is, Christ; but not alone, for his disciples were with him: Beza says, that, one exemplar he had met with, adds "again", and so one of Stephens's copies; for they had been there the day before:
and Jesus went into the temple: the Syriac and Persic versions add, "of God"; into the court of the Gentiles, as he did the preceding day:
and began to cast out them that bought and sold in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of them that sold doves; which was done, as Matthew relates, the same day that he made his public entry into Jerusalem: wherefore it is highly probable, that upon Christ's leaving the city, they returned "again", and were the next morning sitting and doing business in the temple as before; and were drove out again by Christ, who, upon his return, found them there. They "that bought and sold in the temple", were those that bought and sold lambs for the passover, which was now at hand; and the sheep and oxen for the "Chagiga", or feast the day following; as well as doves hereafter mentioned, for new mothers, and such as had fluxes: and that part of the temple where this business was carried on, was in a large space within the area of the temple, where shops were built for that purpose: and by "the money changers", whose "tables" are said to be "overthrown", are meant, such as sat at tables to receive the half shekel, who changed those that brought whole shekels, or foreign money: and who had so much for changing, which was called "Kolbon"; from whence they had the name of "Collybistae", in the text: and "doves", as before observed, were the offering of the poorer sort of women after birth, at the time of their purification, and of profluvious persons; of which many came from all parts, at the time of the passover: upon which account, there was a great demand for these creatures; and many sat upon seats to sell them, which Christ overturned; See Gill on Matthew 21:12.
And would not suffer that any man,.... He was more strict and severe than the day before; and gave orders, that they should be so far from being allowed to sit and trade in that sacred place, that no man
should carry any vessel through the temple; should make a, thoroughfare of it, by carrying through to any other place, any vessel that was for common use, or any sort of burden whatever: and this they could not well find fault with, nor complain of, since it was agreeable to one of their own canons; for they sayF8Misn. Beracot, c. 9. sect. 5. Vid. T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 62. 2. & Yebamot, fol. 6. 2. & Midrash Kohelet, fol. 70. 3. & Maimon. Hilch. Beth Habbechira, c. 7. sect. 1,2,3. ,
"a man may not go into the mountain of the house, with his staff (in his hands); nor with shoes (on his feet); nor with his girdle, and his money in it; nor with a bag thrown over his shoulders; nor with dust upon his feet; nor might he make it, קפנדריא, "a thoroughfare", and much less spit in it.'
And he taught, saying unto them, is it not written,.... In Isaiah 56:7.
My house shall be called of all nations, the house of prayer? For not only the Jews went up to the temple to pray, see Luke 18:10, but the Gentiles also, who became of the Jewish religion, and had a court built for that purpose; and so the whole temple, from hence, was called an house of prayer: and the meaning is, not only that it should be called so by the Gentiles, but that it should be so to them, and made use of by them as such. Jarchi's note on the clause in Isaiah 56:7 is, "not for Israel only, but also for the proselytes."
But ye have made it a den of thieves; for no other, in our Lord's esteem, were the buyers and sellers of sheep, oxen, and doves, and the money changers, and the priests that encouraged them, and had a profit out of them: now these had their seats, shops, and tables, within the mountain of the house; and even in that part of it, which was assigned to the Gentiles, the nations of the world, who became proselytes, and came up to Jerusalem to worship there at certain times; See Gill on Matthew 21:13.
And the Scribes and chief priests heard it,.... The reproof he gave to the money changers, and buyers, and sellers in the temple; and his strict prohibition that none should carry any vessels through it; and the argument he used from the prophecy of Isaiah, and the sharp rebuke he gave for the profanation of the holy place:
and sought how they might destroy him: they took counsel together to take away his life, for they hated reformation:
for they feared him; lest he should go on to make great changes and alterations among them, which would affect their credit and character, and their gains also, and draw the people after him:
because all the people were astonished at his doctrine; both as to the matter of it, which were such words as never man spake; and, as to the manner of it, being with such majesty, power, and authority, as the Scribes and Pharisees taught not with; and also at the miracles, by which it was confirmed, as well as at the reformation and discipline he was introducing; which was done with such an air of sovereignty and power, as was amazing.
And when even was come, he went out of the city. Of Jerusalem, as he did the evening before, and for the same reasons: probably he went to Bethany, where he had lodged the last night, with Lazarus, Martha, and Mary; or to the Mount of Olives, where he sometimes spent the night in prayer: the Syriac version renders it, "they went out"; for Christ took his disciples with him, as is evident from the following verse.
And in the morning, as they passed by,.... The fig tree; when they returned the next morning from Bethany, or the Mount of Olives, or the place, wherever it was, they had been that night:
they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots; they did not see it immediately wither as it did, nor could they see it, as they went from Jerusalem to this place, because it was then in the evening; but in the morning, as they came along, they observed it; not only that the tender branches and boughs of it, but the trunk and body of the tree, and even the roots of it, were all dried up; so that it was entirely dead, and there was no room ever to expect it would revive, and bear any more fruit.
And Peter, calling to remembrance,.... Not so much the tree, and its spreading leaves, and the greatness of it, and the flourishing condition it was in, the other day, as the imprecation of Christ upon it:
saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away; which he observed, as matter of astonishment, and as an instance of Christ's surprising power and authority; See Gill on Matthew 21:20.
And Jesus answering, saith unto them,.... To all the disciples; for what Peter said, he said in the name of them all; and according to Matthew, the disciples said, "how soon is the fig tree withered away?" To which this is an answer; though the Arabic version renders it, "to him"; as if the words were directed particularly to Peter:
have faith in God; or "the faith of God", so the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Persic, and Ethiopic versions; that is, exercise, and make use of that faith which has God for its author, which is the work of God, and of his operation, a free grace gift of his; and which has God for its object; and is supported by his power, and encouraged by his goodness, truth, and faithfulness: and so the Arabic version renders it, "believe in God"; not only that such things may be done, as the drying up a fig tree, but those that are much greater.
For verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain,.... The Mount of Olives, at, or near which they now were,
be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; that is, of Galilee, which was nearest, and yet many miles off:
and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; not only as to removing a mountain, and casting it into the sea, but any thing equally difficult;
he shall have whatsoever he saith: whatever he commands shall be done; See Gill on Matthew 21:21.
Therefore I say unto you,.... For encouragement in prayer more particularly, without which nothing should be attempted, and especially which is above the power of nature, and is of a miraculous kind:
whatsoever things ye desire when ye pray; that is, according to the revealed will of God, is for the confirmation of his Gospel, and for the glory of his name:
believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them; the petitions that are desired, and the things asked in them: that is, be as much assured of having them, as if you had already received them, and you shall have them; for the sense can never be, that they should believe they received them before they had them; this would be a contradiction in terms; and Beza's ancient copy, and one of Stephens's copies read it, "believe that ye shall receive", as in Matthew 21:22, and so the Vulgate Latin version; with which agree the Arabic and Ethiopic versions, which render it, "believe that ye shall enjoy", or "obtain"; and the Syriac version, "believe that ye are about to receive"; and great faith it is so to believe; and this is the prayer of faith; see 1 John 5:14.
And when ye stand praying,.... Are about to engage in that work, or are engaged in it, performing it in such a posture; for standing was an usual posture in praying; See Gill on Matthew 6:5;
forgive, if ye have ought against any, that your Father also in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. The sense is, that if, while a man is praying, it comes into his mind that such an one has committed a trespass against him, has done him an injury, of which he has just reason to complain; but instead of complaining of it before God, and calling upon him to avenge his cause, he should immediately in his heart, and from his heart, forgive him, even though he is not present to acknowledge his sin, and ask his pardon; and such an one may expect forgiveness of God, and a manifestation of it to his soul; which is one the things he is constantly praying for, as his daily case makes it necessary: not that it is to be understood as though his for, giving the person that has offended him, is the cause, or condition, of his receiving remission of sin at the hand of God; for then it would not be through the blood of Christ, and according to the riches of his grace; but this points at a temper and disposition of mind well pleasing to God, and describes persons who may expect this favour from him; See Gill on Matthew 6:14.
But if ye do not forgive,.... Freely and fully, such as have trespassed against you, remit the debts they owe, and pass by the offences and injuries done you, and put up with every affront and indignity:
neither will your heavenly Father forgive your trespasses; that is, such persons do not appear to have any true, or right notions of forgiveness; nor is there any evidence that their hearts are duly affected, or truly impressed with a sense of it; nor can they, upon their own principles and conduct, expect it: not but that to whomsoever God stands in the relation of a Father, and they are his children by adopting grace; these he pities and pardons, Christ's sake; the same covenant which contains the blessing of adoption, provides for pardoning mercy, and a non-remembrance of sin; the same persons that are predestinated to the adoption of children by Christ, and whom he has redeemed, that they might receive it, have the forgiveness of their sins, according to the riches of God's grace; for redemption and forgiveness of sins go together; and as many as are the children of God by faith in Christ, by the same faith receive the remission of sins; and without a view of pardon through the blood of Christ, a child of God cannot draw nigh to its heavenly Father, with that boldness, and cheerfulness, and filial fear it should; but there is forgiveness with him, that he may be feared; to whomsoever God stands in the relation of a Covenant God and Father, to them he manifests himself as a God pardoning iniquity, transgression, and sin: unless the word "father" here not to be taken for such a special relation of grace, but only as expressive of him as the God of nature and providence, who has made; and takes care of all his creatures; in which sense he is the Father of all: as it is said, "have we not all one Father? hath not one God created us?" Malachi 2:10; and so "our heavenly Father", or "our Father" which is in heaven, may be so called only from the place where he dwells; and not from the grace he bestows on men, making them partakers of his heavenly gifts and calling, and blessing them in heavenly places, or things in Christ Jesus: in the former view of him it will not necessarily follow, that he does forgive sin, whereas under the latter consideration of him it will; for forgiveness is one of the heavenly gifts and things which he blesses his children with; See Gill on Matthew 6:15.
And they come again to Jerusalem,.... The Persic and Ethiopic versions read, "he came", which must be understood with his disciples; for they never parted from him till he was apprehended in the garden. Luke says, Luke 20:1, that it was "on one of those days"; and the Persic version here reads, "on another day": it was the day after the cursing of the fig tree, and two days after his public entrance into Jerusalem:
and as he was walking in the temple; not alone, but his disciples with him, and a multitude of people, whom he was teaching and preaching the Gospel to, as he walked to and fro; and whilst he was there employed,
there come to him the chief priests, and the Scribes, and the elders: the Jewish sanhedrim; for of these that great council of the nation consisted; See Gill on Matthew 21:23.
And say unto him, by what authority dost thou do these things?.... Enter into the temple, as if he was Lord of it; and correct in such a magisterial way every thing he thought an abuse in it; do the miracles he did, as healing the lame, and blind; and take upon him to instruct the people, a work he was now engaged in:
and who gave thee this authority to do these things? See Gill on Matthew 21:23.
And Jesus answered and said unto them,.... Being not in the least intimidated by such a body of men:
I will also ask of you one question; or "one word", or "one thing"; λογος, here answers to the Hebrew word דבר, which signifies both "word" and "thing":
and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things; See Gill on Matthew 21:24.
The baptism of John,.... The doctrine of which he was the first preacher, and the ordinance of which he was the first administrator:
was it from heaven, or of men? was it of divine or of human institution?
answer me; directly and plainly, without any shuffling, or evasion: it is a fair question, and may be answered; and the answer to it our Lord suggests would naturally lead to a proper one to their question; See Gill on Matthew 21:25.
And they reasoned with themselves saying,.... Privately; perhaps, they withdrew at a little distance for a short time, and consulted among themselves what answer to return; and the amount of their reasonings were this;
if we shall say from heaven, he will say, why then did ye not believe him? that is, should they say that John had a divine commission for what he said and did, they were aware that Christ would reply, why did not ye give credit to him? and had you done so, seeing he testified of me, you would have had no occasion to have put the above question; See Gill on Matthew 21:25.
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.
And they answered and said unto Jesus,.... Being reduced by this dilemma to the greatest streight and difficulty;
we cannot tell: they could, if they would, but they did not care to tell; they knew if they did, they should expose themselves one way or other:
and Jesus answering, saith unto them, neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things; See Gill on Matthew 21:27.