Matthew 21:26
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)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
These religious leaders are so caught up in their fear of public opinion that they can't even admit what they know to be true about John. Their hesitation reveals that they value their reputation with the crowd far more than they value God's truth.
Jesus is teaching in the temple when the religious leaders confront him, demanding to know by what authority he's acting. Jesus turns the question back on them, asking if John the Baptist's authority was from God or from men. They're caught in a trap: if they say John was from God, they'll have to admit they didn't believe him; but if they say John was from men, they'll face the wrath of the crowds who see him as a prophet.
When challenged about His authority, Jesus turns the tables. The religious leaders' response reveals a deep-seated fear that paralyzes their judgment.
The chief priests and elders confronted Jesus, demanding to know by what authority He was acting. Jesus, in turn, posed a question about the authority of John the Baptist's ministry.
In this verse, their internal debate is laid bare: If they admitted John's baptism was 'from heaven,' they'd have to explain why they didn't believe him. But if they said it was 'from men,' they'd face the wrath of the crowd.
Their decision? To say nothing. This wasn't about seeking truth; it was about avoiding the immediate, palpable fear of popular backlash. Their concern wasn't God's perspective, but man's.
John the Baptist was more than just a preacher; his ministry carried a weight that even Jesus's enemies couldn't ignore.
The leaders' dilemma hinges on the universally recognized status of John the Baptist. The text states, 'for all hold John as a prophet.' This wasn't a fringe belief; it was the consensus.
John's ministry, marked by repentance and pointing to Jesus, was widely seen as divinely commissioned. Even Herod feared him. This popular anointing of John as a prophet meant that any dismissal of his message would be seen as an attack on God Himself, with severe social consequences for the leaders.
Jesus skillfully uses this widespread conviction to expose their hypocrisy. By acknowledging John's prophetic status, they implicitly acknowledged the divine authority behind Jesus's ministry, which they were unwilling to do.
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.
The popular acclaim for John the Baptist is so widespread that the religious leaders, even when confronted by Jesus, are deeply afraid of public backlash. This shows how public opinion, swayed by genuine prophetic voices, could powerfully influence, or constrain, even the most powerful religious and political figures of the day.
c. AD 28-29
John the Baptist's Ministry Begins
John the Baptist emerges in the wilderness of Judea, preaching repentance and baptizing people, including Jesus. His ministry is highly popular among the common people, who regard him as a prophet.
c. AD 29— this verse
Jesus Clears the Temple
Jesus, asserting His authority, drives out the money changers and merchants from the Temple in Jerusalem. This act is a direct challenge to the religious authorities.
AD 29
Jesus' Authority Questioned
The chief priests and elders confront Jesus in the Temple, demanding to know by what authority He performed His actions. Jesus responds by questioning them about the origin of John the Baptist's authority.
AD 29
The Parable of the Two Sons
In response to the priests' and elders' evasiveness, Jesus tells the parable of the two sons, highlighting their hypocrisy and their rejection of God's will.
This passage records the religious leaders' own admission of fearing the people, explicitly stating 'all the people will stone us,' highlighting their deep-seated fear of public opinion which is also present in Matthew's account.
John 10:41This verse mentions that many came to John the Baptist, and they said of him, 'John did no sign, but all that John spoke of this man was true,' showing the widespread belief in John's prophetic authority.
Acts 4:13Here, the same religious leaders acknowledge that Peter and John were 'uneducated and ordinary men,' yet they marvel because of their boldness, showing a contrast between their own fear-driven caution and the apostles' Spirit-led confidence.
Matthew 14:5This passage shows Herod's own fear of public opinion regarding John the Baptist, as he 'would have liked to kill him, but was afraid of the people, because they regarded him as a prophet,' demonstrating this fear was a common sentiment among leaders.
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…
These religious leaders are so caught up in their fear of public opinion that they can't even admit what they know to be true about John. Their hesitation reveals that they value their reputation with the crowd far more than they value God's truth.
Jesus is teaching in the temple when the religious leaders confront him, demanding to know by what authority he's acting. Jesus turns the question back on them, asking if John the Baptist's authority was from God or from men. They're caught in a trap: if they say John was from God, they'll have to admit they didn't believe him; but if they say John was from men, they'll face the wrath of the crowds who see him as a prophet.
Jesus is teaching in the temple when the religious leaders confront him, demanding to know by what authority he's acting. Jesus turns the question back on them, asking if John the Baptist's authority was from God or from men. They're caught in a trap: if they say John was from God, they'll have to admit they didn't believe him; but if they say John was from men, they'll face the wrath of the crowds who see him as a prophet.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Matthew 21:26 is available in the Sola app.
AD 29
The Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen
Jesus follows with the parable of the wicked husbandmen, directly condemning the religious leaders and predicting the judgment that will fall upon them and the rejection of God's Son.
"But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.”" — These religious leaders are so caught up in their fear of public opinion that they can't even admit what they know to be true about John. Their hesitation reveals that they value their reputation wit…
