But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The religious leaders' fear isn't just about public opinion; it reveals their deeper terror of John the Baptist's prophetic authority. They knew John pointed to Jesus, so denying John's divine commission would mean admitting they rejected God's own chosen messenger, a truth they desperately wanted to avoid facing.
But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just overturned the tables of the moneychangers in the temple, and now the religious leaders confront him, demanding to know by what authority he's acting. Jesus throws the question back at them, asking if John the Baptist's authority came from heaven or from men. This verse reveals their calculated response: they can't say "from heaven" because then they'd have to admit they didn't believe John, but they also can't say "from men" because the crowds fiercely believe John was a prophet and would turn on them.
When Jesus was challenged about His authority, He turned the tables. The religious leaders' response reveals a deeper problem than just ignorance.
The chief priests and elders confronted Jesus, demanding to know His authority for cleansing the temple. Jesus, in His wisdom, asked them about John the Baptist's authority. This put them in a terrible bind.
A No-Win Situation
This is where our verse comes in: 'But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.' Their fear of public opinion paralyzed them. They chose to appear ignorant rather than acknowledge truth or face unpopularity. This shows how desperately they clung to their reputation and influence, even at the expense of truth and God’s own messengers.
Why did the religious leaders back down when Jesus questioned them? It wasn't about logic; it was about the people's passionate belief.
The religious establishment was deeply threatened by Jesus' actions and His growing popularity. They questioned His authority because they had no legitimate basis to reject Him, yet couldn't accept His divine commission.
Ask a follow-up
The People's Prophet
John the Baptist held immense sway over the common people. His message of repentance and his prophetic status were widely accepted. The leaders knew this:
This fear reveals that even those in positions of religious authority could be swayed by popular sentiment, especially when it served their own interests (or protected them from harm). They were trapped by the very people whose spiritual well-being they claimed to care for.
Understand the original words
prophētēs · Greek Noun
An individual who communicates a divine message from God to humanity, often involving revelation about the past, present, or future. In a biblical context, a prophet is one empowered by the Holy Spirit to call people to repentance and declare God's will.
This exchange highlights the intense public respect for John the Baptist, even among the common people. The religious leaders' fear of the crowd's reaction shows how public opinion, shaped by John's prophetic image, could influence their actions and words, even when facing Jesus.
c. AD 28
John the Baptist's Ministry Begins
John the Baptist starts preaching a message of repentance and baptizing people in the Jordan River, drawing large crowds and preparing the way for Jesus.
c. AD 29
Jesus' Baptism and Public Ministry
Jesus is baptized by John and begins His public ministry, teaching, healing, and challenging the religious authorities in Jerusalem.
AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Authority Questioned in Temple
During Jesus' final week in Jerusalem, chief priests and elders confront Him in the temple, demanding to know the source of His authority after He overturned tables.
AD 33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is arrested, tried, crucified, and rises from the dead, fulfilling prophecies and further cementing His divine authority in the eyes of His followers.
This passage provides a parallel account of the same confrontation, highlighting the leaders' fear of public opinion and their calculation that admitting John was from God would expose their disbelief.
Acts 5:38Gamaliel's counsel to the Sanhedrin echoes this verse's theme of being cautious about opposing movements that might be from God, lest they find themselves fighting against Him.
John 10:41This passage shows how many people acknowledged John the Baptist's prophetic status, reinforcing why the chief priests were so concerned about the crowd's perception.
Matthew 14:5This earlier event with Herod shows how a ruler also feared the crowds' belief in John as a prophet, demonstrating a consistent pattern of how John's influence impacted leadership.
calvinMatthew 21:23-27: "And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?"
- And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and elders of the people came to him, saying By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee that authority? [23] 24. And Jesus answering said to them, I also will ask you something, which if you shal…
henryMatthew 21:23-27: "And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?"
21:23-27 As our Lord now openly appeared as the Messiah, the chief priests and scribes were much offended, especially because he exposed and removed the abuses they encouraged. Our Lord asked what they thought of John's ministry and baptism. Many are more afraid of the sha…
The religious leaders' fear isn't just about public opinion; it reveals their deeper terror of John the Baptist's prophetic authority. They knew John pointed to Jesus, so denying John's divine commission would mean admitting they rejected God's own chosen messenger, a truth they desperately wanted to avoid facing.
Jesus has just overturned the tables of the moneychangers in the temple, and now the religious leaders confront him, demanding to know by what authority he's acting. Jesus throws the question back at them, asking if John the Baptist's authority came from heaven or from men. This verse reveals their calculated response: they can't say "from heaven" because then they'd have to admit they didn't believe John, but they also can't say "from men" because the crowds fiercely believe John was a prophet and would turn on them.
Jesus has just overturned the tables of the moneychangers in the temple, and now the religious leaders confront him, demanding to know by what authority he's acting. Jesus throws the question back at them, asking if John the Baptist's authority came from heaven or from men. This verse reveals their calculated response: they can't say "from heaven" because then they'd have to admit they didn't believe John, but they also can't say "from men" because the crowds fiercely believe John was a prophet and would turn on them.
"But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.”" — The religious leaders' fear isn't just about public opinion; it reveals their deeper terror of John the Baptist's prophetic authority. They knew John pointed to Jesus, so denying John's divine comm…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026