wmth - Matthew:21:23-27

wmth@Matthew:21:23 @ He entered the Temple; and while He was teaching, the High Priests and the Elders of the people came to Him and asked Him, »By what authority are you doing these things? and who gave you this authority?«

wmth@Matthew:21:24 @ »And I also have a question to ask,« replied Jesus, »and if you answer me, I in turn will tell you by what authority I do these things.

wmth@Matthew:21:25 @ John's Baptism, whence was it? –had it a heavenly or a human origin?« So they debated the matter among themselves. »If we say `a heavenly origin,'« they argued, »he will say, `Why then did you not believe him?'

wmth@Matthew:21:26 @ and if we say `a human origin' we have the people to fear, for they all hold John to have been a Prophet.«

wmth@Matthew:21:27 @ So they answered Jesus, »We do not know.« »Nor do I tell you,« He replied, »by what authority I do these things.«