The Authority of Jesus Challenged

²³ When he entered the temple,^(A) the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching and said, “By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority?” ^(B)

²⁴ Jesus answered them, “I will also ask you one question, and if you answer it for me, then I will tell you by what authority I do these things. ²⁵ Did John’s baptism come from heaven, or was it of human origin?”

They discussed it among themselves, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ ^{(C) 26} But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we’re afraid of the crowd,^(D) because everyone considers John to be a prophet.”^{(E) 27} So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.”

And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.

Paul’s Conduct

2 For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our visit^(A) with you was not without result. ² On the contrary, after we had previously suffered^(B) and were treated outrageously in Philippi,^(C) as you know, we were emboldened by our God to speak the gospel of God to you in spite of great opposition. ³ For our exhortation didn’t come from error or impurity^(D) or an intent to deceive.^{(E) 4} Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted^(F) with the gospel,^(G) so we speak, not to please people, but rather God,^(H) who examines our hearts.^{(I) 5} For we never used flattering speech, as you know, or had greedy^(J) motives^(K)—God is our witness^(L)— ⁶ and we didn’t seek glory^(M) from people, either from you or from others. ⁷ Although we could have been a burden as Christ’s apostles,^(N) instead we were gentle^[a] among you, as a nurse^[b] nurtures her own children. ⁸ We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. ⁹ For you remember our labor and hardship, brothers and sisters. Working^(O) night and day so that we would not burden any of you, we preached God’s gospel to you. ¹⁰ You are witnesses,^(P) and so is God, of how devoutly, righteously,^(Q) and blamelessly^(R) we conducted ourselves with you believers. ¹¹ As you know, like a father with his own children,^{(S) 12} we encouraged, comforted, and implored each one of you to walk worthy of God,^(T) who calls you into his own kingdom^(U) and glory.^(V)