“Baptismus Joannis, de cælo erat, an ex hominibus ? Respondete mihi.”
“The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.”
“John’s baptism—was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me!””
“The baptism of John — was it from heaven, or from men? Answer me.””
“The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men? answer me.”
II. How he effectually ran them aground, and embarrassed them, with this question, "What are your thoughts concerning the baptism of John? Was it from heaven, or of men? By what authority did John preach, and baptize, and gather disciples? Answer me, v. 30. Deal fairly and ingenuously, and give a categorical answer, one way or the other." By this resolve of their question into this, our Saviour intimates how near akin his doctrine and baptism were to John's; they had the same original, and the same design and tendency—to introduce the gospel kingdom. Christ might with the better grace put this question to them, because they had sent a committee of their own house to examine John, John 1 19. "Now," saith Christ, "what was the result of your enquiries concerning him?"
Verses 27-33 Our Saviour shows how near akin his doctrine and baptism were to those of John; they had the same design and tendency, to bring in the gospel kingdom. These elders did not deserve to be taught; for it was plain that they contended not for truth, but victory: nor did he need to tell them; for the works he did, told them plainly he had authority from God; since no man could do the miracles which he did, unless God were with him.