Matthew 21:25 — Community Reflections

MATTHEW 21:25 — KING JAMES VERSION 0

“The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?”

The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man? And they discussed it among themselves, saying: if we say, from heaven, he will say to us, why then did you not believe him? The either/or about John's baptism creates the dilemma: if from heaven, they should have believed John; if from men, they risk the crowd's response (all held John to be a prophet). The discussion among themselves — not with Jesus — communicates the political calculation rather than honest inquiry.

Church Fathers on Matthew 21:25

The Priests were tormented with jealousy, because they had seen Christ entering the Temple in great glory. And not being able to master the fire of jealousy which burnt in their breasts, they break forth in speech.
Pseudo-Chrysostom · 5th century

Forasmuch as they could not detract from His miracles, they bring matter of blame from His forbidding to sell in the Temple. As though they had said, Hast Thou assumed the seat of authority? Hast Thou been anointed Priest, that Thou exertest this power?
Chrysostom · 4th century

Or in these words they urge the same cavil as above, when they said, 'He casteth out demons through Beelzebub the Prince of the demons.' [Matt 12:24] For when they say, 'By what authority doest thou thee things?' they doubt concerning the power of God, and would have it understood that the things He does are of the Devil. But when they add, 'Who gave thee this authority?' they most clearly deny the Son of God, whom they suppose to work miracles, not by His own, but by others'…
Jerome · 4th century

Read all 9 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain

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