Matthew 21:25

“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.

“I will prove it from the very words of the Truth Himself, when He asked the Jews, “The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men?”” — editor's note: Matt. xxi. 25.

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

“And after this again, being asked by Christ, “The baptism of John, whence is it?”they said, “If we shall say, Of earth, we fear the people; if we shall say, From heaven, He will say unto us, How then did ye not believe him?”” — editor's note: Matt. xxi. 25, 26.

“From heaven, or of men?”” — editor's note: Matt. xxi. 25. [“Is” substituted for “was.”—R.]

“The baptism announced by John formed the subject, even at that time, of a question, proposed by the Lord Himself indeed to the Pharisees, whether that baptism were heavenly, or truly earthly: about which they were unable to give a consistent answer, inasmuch as they understood not, because they believed not.” — editor's note: Matt. xxi. 25; Mark xi. 30; Luke xx. 4.

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 21:25 and Mark 11:30 share the same wording (9 words).

Matthew 21:25 and Mark 11:31 share the same wording (19 words).

Matthew 21:25 and Luke 20:4 share the same wording (9 words).

Matthew 21:25 and Luke 20:5 share the same wording (12 words).

Cited together in Pseudo-Chrysostom on Matthew 21:23–27 (3) (Catena Aurea).

Cited together in Jerome on Matthew 21:23–27 (Catena Aurea).