Matthew 21:26

“But if we shall say of men, etc.] They reasoned with themselves, that should they give their answer in this form, and say, that the ministry and baptism of John, were merely human, and what he took up of himself, or which he performed by an authority derived from men, we fear the people; that were then upon the spot, in the temple; who, as many of them were now the followers of Christ, more of them had been the admirers of John, and probably had been baptized by him: wherefore the sanhedrim were afraid of them, lest if they should affirm, that the authority by which John acted was human, they would immediately rise up against them; and, as Luke says, “stone” them: so high a veneration had…”

“But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people--rather, "the multitude." In Luke (Luk 20:6) it is, "all the people will stone us." for all hold John as a prophet--Crooked, cringing hypocrites! No wonder Jesus gave you no answer.”

“See also Mark 11:27-33; Luke 20:1-9. Matthew 21:23 When he was come into the temple - That is, probably, into the inner court - the court of the Israelites. They took this opportunity of questioning him on this subject when he was not surrounded by the multitude. By what authority ... - There was a show of propriety in this question. He was making great changes in the affairs of the temple, and they claimed the right to know why this was done, contrary to their permission. He was not “a priest;” he had no civil or ecclesiastical authority as a Jew. It was sufficient authority, indeed, that he came as a prophet and worked miracles. But they professed not to be satisfied with that. These…”

“we fear: Mat 21:46, Mat 14:5; Isa 57:11; Mar 11:32, Mar 12:12; Luk 20:6, Luk 20:19, Luk 22:2; Joh 9:22; Act 5:26 for: Mar 6:20; Joh 5:35, Joh 10:41, Joh 10:42 Matthew 21:27”