Matthew 21:23

“Moreover, by His not replying to those who said to Him, “By what power doest Thou this?” but by a question on His own side, put them to utter confusion; by His thus not replying, according to their interpretation, He showed the unutterable nature of the Father.” — editor's note: Matt. xxi. 23.

“And He asked them of John, whence was the Baptism of John, from heaven, or of men? so that whatever they might answer might tell against themselves.…” — editor's note: Matt. xxi. 23, 24; Mark xi. 28, 29.

“The baptism of John, whence was it?” and so on, down to the words, “Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.”” — editor's note: Matt. xxi. 23–27.

“…and yet would not venture to say anything bad about John, on account of the bystanders, “Neither tell I you,” says He, “by what authority I do these things;” a refusal which appeared most just to the bystanders.” — editor's note: Chap. xxi. 23–27.

“And the Lord says to them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.”” — editor's note: Matt. xxi. 23–27; Mark xii. 28–33; Luke xx. 2–8.

“And the Lord said, “Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.”” — editor's note: Matt. xxi. 23–27.

““I tell you not what I know, because you will not confess what you know.”” — editor's note: Matt. xxi. 23–27.

“But the boastful and arrogant Jews, wishing to interrupt His teaching, came unto Him, and asked, “By what authority doest thou these things?”” — editor's note: Matt. xxi. 23.

“For since, when a little before they had said in self will, “By what authority doest Thou these things?”they did not meet with an answer to the question, they look to puff Him up by their flattery, and to persuade Him to say something against the established laws, and opposed to the prevailing government.” — editor's note: Matt. xxi. 23.

“The authority, I suppose, of the liquid element has to be examined.” — editor's note: Compare the Jews’ question, Matt. xxi. 23.

“In fact, the doctors of the law and the Pharisees, who were unwilling to “believe,” did not “repent” either.” — editor's note: Matt. iii. 7–12; xxi. 23, 31, 32.

The Priests were tormented with jealousy, because they had seen Christ entering the Temple in great glory. And not being able to master the fire of jealousy which burnt in their breasts, they break forth in speech.

Forasmuch as they could not detract from His miracles, they bring matter of blame from His forbidding to sell in the Temple. As though they had said, Hast Thou assumed the seat of authority? Hast Thou been anointed…

By that they add, “Or who gave thee this authority?” they shew that there be many persons who give power to men, whether corporal or spiritual! as though they had said, Thou art not come of a priestly family; the…

Or in these words they urge the same cavil as above, when they said, “He casteth out demons through Beelzebub the Prince of the demons.” [Matt 12:24] For when they say, “By what authority doest thou thee things?”…

Not that they should answer it, and thereupon hear of Christ the answer to their question, but that being puzzled they should ask Him no farther; according to that precept He had given above, “Give not that which is…

John received his authority to baptize from Him, whom he afterwards baptized; and that baptism which was committed to him is here called the baptism of John. He alone received such a gift; no righteous man before or…

What the Priests revolved in their malice is shewn when he adds, “But they reasoned with themselves.” For had they replied that it was from heaven, the question was inevitable, Why then were ye not baptized by John?…

But some one will say in opposition to this, that it was absurd to ask by what authority Jesus did these things. For that it could not be that He would answer, that He did these by the Devil’s authority; and He would…

There are two reasons why the knowledge of truth should be kept back from those who ask; either when he who asks is unfit to receive, or from his hatred or contempt of the truth is unworthy to have that which he asks…

Matthew 21:23 and Mark 11:28 share the same wording (13 words).

Cited together in Against Heresies I.20.

Cited together in Against Heresies I.20.

Cited together in Against Heresies I.20.

Cited together in Against Heresies I.20.

Cited together in On Baptism Chapter 2.

Cited together in On Baptism Chapter 2.

Cited together in On Baptism Chapter 2.

Cited together in On Baptism Chapter 2.

Cited together in Against Heresies I.20.

Cited together in Against Heresies I.20.

Cited together in Against Heresies I.20.

Cited together in Against Heresies I.20.