1

And it came to pass, on one of the days, as he was teaching the people in the temple, and preaching the gospel, there came upon him the chief priests and the scribes with the elders

2

and they spake, saying unto him, Tell us: By what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?

3

And he answered and said unto them, I also will ask you a question and tell 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 did ye not believe him?

6

But if we shall say, From men all the people will stone us: for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.

7

And they answered, that they knew not whence [it was].

8

And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.