⭐WEB · Matthew 21:26

What does Matthew 21:26 mean?

"But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the multitude, for all hold John as a prophet.”"

— Matthew 21:26 (World English Bible)

Surrounding context

23

When he had come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority do you do these things? Who gave you this authority?”

24

Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, which if you tell me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things.

25

The baptism of John, where was it from? From heaven or from men?” They reasoned with themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’

26

But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the multitude, for all hold John as a prophet.”

27

They answered Jesus, and said, “We don’t know.” He also said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.

28

But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first, and said, ‘Son, go work today in my vineyard.’

29

He answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind, and went.

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