Matthew 21:27 — Community Reflections

MATTHEW 21:27 — KING JAMES VERSION 0

“And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.”

So they answered Jesus: we do not know. And he said to them: neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things. The we do not know is the politically calculated non-answer — they know, but they will not say. Jesus' corresponding refusal to answer is not evasion but justice: the question deserves an honest answer, and when the questioner will not engage honestly, there is no obligation to answer. The authority question is not really a request for information but a demand for leverage.

Church Fathers on Matthew 21:27

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

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

Publish a reflection on this verse

No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!