And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders, And spoke unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority do you these things? or who is he that gave you this authority? And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me: The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned among themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did you not believe him? But if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they are persuaded that John was a prophet. And they answered, that they could not tell from where it was. And Jesus said unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things. (Luke 20:1-8)