One day [ as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courts and proclaiming the good news ], the chief priests and the teachers of the law, together with the elders, came up to him. “Tell us [ by what authority you are doing these things ],” they said. “Who gave you this authority?” He replied, “I will also ask you a question. Tell me: John’s baptism— was it from heaven, or of human origin?” They discussed it among themselves and said, “[ If we say, ‘From heaven,’] he will ask, ‘Why didn’t you believe him?’ But [ if we say, ‘Of human origin,’] all the people will stone us, [ because they are persuaded [ that John was a prophet ] ].” So they answered, “We don’t know [ where it was from ].” Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you [ by what authority I am doing these things ].”