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Luke 20:4

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 20:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men?
Luke 20:4 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 20

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1And it came to pass, on one of the days, as he was teaching the people in the temple, and preaching the gospel, there came upon him the chief priests and the scribes with the elders;
2and they spake, saying unto him, Tell us: By what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?
3And he answered and said unto them, I also will ask you a question; and tell me:
4The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men?
5And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why did ye not believe him?
6But if we shall say, From men; all the people will stone us: for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.
7And they answered, that they knew not whence [it was].
← Luke 20:3Luke 20:5 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?] This was a new ordinance, and John must have his authority for administering it either from God, or from men; and Christ is desirous to know from which he derived it in their opinion; suggesting, that by the same authority John, his forerunner, came baptizing, he himself came preaching and working miracles; (see Gill on “<402125>Matthew 21:25”).”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“baptism of John--his whole ministry and mission, of which baptism was the seal.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See this passage explained in the notes at Matthew 21:23-27. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“20:4-6 Jesus’ question put the religious leaders in a double bind (see 20:5-6), as either answer would indict them.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“baptism: Luk 7:28-35; Mat 11:7-19, Mat 17:11, Mat 17:12, Mat 21:25-32; Joh 1:6, Joh 1:19-28 from: Luk 15:18; Dan 4:25, Dan 4:26 Luke 20:5”
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Related study paths

Read Luke 20 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification