Matthew 21:23-27

Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition

²³ And when he was come into the temple, there came to him, as he was teaching, the chief priests and ancients of the people, saying: By what authority dost thou these things? and who hath given thee this authority?

²⁴ Jesus answering, said to them: I also will ask you one word, which if you shall tell me, I will also tell you by what authority I do these things.

²⁵ The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven or from men? But they thought within themselves, saying:

²⁶ If we shall say, from heaven, he will say to us: Why then did you not believe him? But if we shall say, from men, we are afraid of the multitude: for all held John as a prophet.

²⁷ And answering Jesus, they said: We know not. He also said to them: Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.