Keraia
Matthew 21

Matthew 21:25

Jesus’ Authority Challenged · Matthew 21:23–27
Read Matthew 21

Translations

Modern
What was the source of John’s baptism? Was it from heaven or from men?” They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’
Traditional
The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?
Literal
From where was the baptism of John? From heaven or from men?” And they were reasoning among themselves, saying, “If we should say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’
Latin
Baptismus Joannis unde erat? e cælo, an ex hominibus? At illi cogitabant inter se, dicentes:

Interlinear

Greek
English
What was the source of John’s baptism? Was it from heaven or from men?” They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’

Notes

Matthew 21:25

The minsitry of John, like the ministry of Jesus, was controversial (see Matthew 3:1, 5–6). This was true especially after John publicly criticized Herod Antipas for his sins (see 14:4). The Jewish leaders did not want to admit that John's work was from God. They had refused to believe John and repent of their sins (3:2). They also refused to accept Jesus as the Messiah (John 1:29–34).

Matthew 21:23–22:46

This section focuses on how Jewish leaders challenged the authority of Jesus. Each time, the wisdom of Jesus revealed their lack of spiritual understanding. These debates also revealed the status of Jesus as the Messiah and the consequences of rejecting him. Sadly, the leaders became more resistant with each encounter and plotted to kill Jesus (Matthew 21:23, 46; 22:15–17, 23, 34, 41).

Events

Parallels

Mark 11:27–33 Luke 20:1–8

People

John: The Baptist, a prophet who prepared the way for Jesus

Glossary

Gospel of Matthew Jesus Christ

Topics

Baptism: John's Falsehood in Refusing to Bear Truthful Testimony Concerning John the Baptist Prudence: Exemplified by Christ