Chapter 124: By whose authority does Jesus act?

1 And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, 2 And say unto him, By what authority doest thou teach to undo the judgment of God? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?

3 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.

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

5 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then were ye not baptized? 6 But if we shall say, Of men; they could not say that the risen were a punishment from the Lord.

7 And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell.

8 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.