And Jesus said unto them ,.... Since they would not give him a direct answer to his question: neither tell I you by what authority I do these things ; nor was there any need of it; they might easily perceive by what he had said, from whence he professed to have received his authority, from God, and not men; See Gill on Matthew 21:27 . read more
Then began he to speak to the people this parable ,.... According to the other evangelists it seems to be spoken to the chief priests, Scribes, and elders; and certain it is, that they looked upon themselves as struck at in it; it might be spoken to both. Christ having silenced the sanhedrim, turned himself to the people, and delivered the parable of the vineyard to them, though his principal view was to the priests: a certain man planted a vineyard ; the people of the Jews are designed... read more
One of those days - Supposed to have been one of the four last days of his life, mentioned Luke 19:47 , probably Tuesday before the passover. read more
By what authority, etc. - See the note on Matthew 21:23-27 ; (note). read more
A certain man planted a vineyard, etc. - See this parable largely explained, Matthew 21:33-46 ; (note). See also on Mark 12:4-9 ; (note). read more
And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel. We are now in the midst of the so-called Passion week. Probably the events related in this chapter took place on the Tuesday. The first day of the week, Palm Sunday, was the day of the public entry into the city. The purification of the temple took place on the Monday, on which day also the barren fig tree was cursed. We are now considering the events of the Tuesday. The Greek... read more
Question of the priests and scribes as to the nature of the authority under which Jesus was acting. read more
The great Teacher's silence. The refusal of Jesus Christ to answer the question proposed to him demands explanation and suggests remark. I. THE DIFFICULTY WE FIND IN HIS SILENCE . Had not the Sanhedrin a right to ask this of him? It was a legally constituted body, and one of its functions was to guide the people of the land by determining who was to be received as a true Teacher from God. John had recognized their right to formally interrogate him ( John 1:19-27 ). As... read more
Christ's collision with the Sanhedrin. We have studied Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem and his cleansing of the temple. And now we have to notice the interruptions to which he was subjected as he improved his last days of ministration in the temple-court. He had exercised authority in God's house, he was also teaching with authority the people; hence the Jewish rulers came, demanding from him the sign of his authority to do so. As with many still, there is great demand for signs,... read more
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John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 20:7
Whether from heaven, or of men; in this, no doubt, they told an untruth: but they chose rather to sacrifice their consciences than their interest, and pretend ignorance rather than profess the truth, when they saw they should be put to confusion, or be exposed to the resentments of the people. read more