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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Mark 11:27-33

We have here Christ examined by the great Sanhedrim concerning his authority; for they claimed a power to call prophets to an account concerning their mission. They came to him when he was walking in the temple, not for his diversion, but teaching the people, first one company and then another. The Peripatetic philosophers were so called from the custom they had of walking when they taught. The cloisters, or piazzas, in the courts of the temple, were fitted for this purpose. The great men were... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Mark 11:27-33

11:27-33 Once again they came to Jerusalem, and, when Jesus was walking in the Temple, the chief priests and the experts in the law and the elders came to him, and said to him, "By what kind of authority do you do these things? Or, who gave you authority to do these things?" Jesus said, "I will put one point to you, and, if you answer me, I will tell you by what kind of authority I do these things. Was the baptism of John from heaven? or was it from men? Answer me!" They discussed the matter... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Mark 11:30

The baptism of John ,.... The doctrine of which he was the first preacher, and the ordinance of which he was the first administrator: was it from heaven, or of men ? was it of divine or of human institution? answer me ; directly and plainly, without any shuffling, or evasion: it is a fair question, and may be answered; and the answer to it our Lord suggests would naturally lead to a proper one to their question; See Gill on Matthew 21:25 . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 11:27-33

Authority vindicated. The conflict between the Divine Prophet and the leaders of the Jewish people was now at its height. Jesus knew that his hour was at hand, and no longer either concealed himself, or restrained his tongue from words of merited indignation, rebuke, and almost defiance. Thus the enmity of his foes was provoked, and his condemnation was assured. I. CHRIST 'S AUTHORITY WAS PUBLICLY ASSERTED AND EXERCISED . In three respects this was now made most plain. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 11:27-33

Christ's authority challenged add defended. This was a necessary consequence of his action in the cleansing of the temple. By so doing he claimed to be the Judge of things religious and sacred, and to direct the conscience of man. I. THE ULTIMATE QUESTION BETWEEN CHRIST AND THE RELIGIOUS SYSTEMS AND INSTITUTIONS OF MEN IS ONE OF AUTHORITY . Only direct Divine sanction, or a higher truth vindicating itself at the bar of reason and conscience, or in the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 11:27-33

Critics criticized. I. THE SPIRIT OF FAULT - FINDING NEVER LACES FOOD . The action is wrong; or, if it is right, it is done from a wrong motive, or done by the wrong person. "Ill will never said well." II. IT ASKS FOR REASONS , BUT REFUSES TO GIVE THEM . It will call others to account, and refuse to give account of itself, The arbitrary temper is directly opposed to the "sweet reasonableness of Christ." III. THE UNTRUE MAN THINKS ONLY OF... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 11:27-33

Parallel passages: Matthew 21:23-32 ; Luke 20:1-8 .— Christ's authority questioned. I. CAUSE OF CHRIST 'S AUTHORITY BEING CALLED IN QUESTION . The ostensible cause was the events of the preceding day; the real cause Satan's opposition to the work of Christ. On the day before he had displayed his zeal for the sanctity of God's house and the purity of its worship. He is now called to account because of the extraordinary efforts he bad made to put a stop to the public... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 11:30

The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men? By the "baptism of John" our Lord means his testimony concerning himself, his doctrine, and nil his preaching. It is a synecdoche—the part put for the whole. The argument is incontrovertible. It is this: "You ask from whence I derive my authority—from God or from men? I in my turn ask you from whom did John the Baptist derive his authority to baptize and to teach? from heaven or from men? If he had it from God, as all will confess, then... read more

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