And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?
Study Helps
Interpretation
Men often pretend to examine the evidences of revelation, and the truth of the gospel, when only seeking excuses for their own unbelief and disobedience. Christ answered these priests and scribes with a plain question about the baptism of John, which the common people could answer.