4 John's baptism-was it from heaven, or of human origin?"

Other Translations of Luke 20:4

King James Version

4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?

English Standard Version

4 was the baptism of John from heaven or from man?"

The Message

4 About the baptism of John - who authorized it, heaven or humans?"

New King James Version

4 The baptism of John--was it from heaven or from men?"

New Living Translation

4 "Did John's authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?"

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 20:4

Commentary on Luke 20:1-8

(Read Luke 20:1-8)

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. They all knew it was from heaven, nothing in it had an earthly tendency. Those that bury the knowledge they have, are justly denied further knowledge. It was just with Christ to refuse to give account of his authority, to those who knew the baptism of John to be from heaven, yet would not believe in him, nor own their knowledge.