Matthew 21:23 - When he had come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority do you do these things? Who gave you this authority?”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Matthew 21:23" mean?
This verse from Matthew 21:23 is a direct challenge to Jesus' authority. Let's break it down:
"When he had come into the temple..." This sets the scene. Jesus is in the Temple, the center of Jewish religious life and authority, in Jerusalem. He's not just visiting; he's actively teaching.
"...the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him..." These are the established religious leaders. The "chief priests" were influential figures, often from wealthy and powerful priestly families, responsible for the Temple's operations and worship. The "elders" were prominent lay leaders, likely members of the Sanhedrin (the Jewish ruling council). They represent the official Jewish authority.
"...as he was teaching..." Jesus' teaching isn't casual; it's a formal activity happening within their sphere of influence.
"...and said, “By what authority do you do these things? Who gave you this authority?”" This is the core question. They are confronting Jesus, demanding to know:
"By what authority...?" What right do you have to be teaching, performing miracles, and generally acting in the way you are? Where does this power and legitimacy come from?
"Who gave you this authority?" Who sanctioned or approved of your actions? Did the Roman government authorize you? Did the Sanhedrin appoint you? The implied question is that they don't recognize his authority.
Significance:
Challenge to Legitimacy: The religious leaders are trying to discredit Jesus in the eyes of the people. If they can show he lacks proper authorization, they can undermine his influence.
Power Struggle: It reveals a power struggle between Jesus and the established religious authorities. Jesus' popularity and actions threatened their position.
Refusal to Acknowledge: The question implies that they do not believe Jesus has any legitimate authority. They are unwilling to accept his claims or recognize his power.
Setting the Stage: This confrontation sets the stage for the debates and conflicts that will ultimately lead to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion.
Authority Question: The question touches on the very nature of authority - where does it come from? From established institutions, or from something else (like a divine source)?
In short, this verse is a pivotal moment where the established religious leaders publicly challenge Jesus' right to teach and act as he does, setting in motion the events that will culminate in his death. It highlights the conflict between traditional authority and a new spiritual authority embodied by Jesus.
Matthew 21:23 - When he had come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority do you do these things? Who gave you this authority?”
What does "Matthew 21:23" mean?
This verse from Matthew 21:23 is a direct challenge to Jesus' authority. Let's break it down:
"When he had come into the temple..." This sets the scene. Jesus is in the Temple, the center of Jewish religious life and authority, in Jerusalem. He's not just visiting; he's actively teaching.
"...the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him..." These are the established religious leaders. The "chief priests" were influential figures, often from wealthy and powerful priestly families, responsible for the Temple's operations and worship. The "elders" were prominent lay leaders, likely members of the Sanhedrin (the Jewish ruling council). They represent the official Jewish authority.
"...as he was teaching..." Jesus' teaching isn't casual; it's a formal activity happening within their sphere of influence.
"...and said, “By what authority do you do these things? Who gave you this authority?”" This is the core question. They are confronting Jesus, demanding to know:
"By what authority...?" What right do you have to be teaching, performing miracles, and generally acting in the way you are? Where does this power and legitimacy come from?
"Who gave you this authority?" Who sanctioned or approved of your actions? Did the Roman government authorize you? Did the Sanhedrin appoint you? The implied question is that they don't recognize his authority.
Significance:
Challenge to Legitimacy: The religious leaders are trying to discredit Jesus in the eyes of the people. If they can show he lacks proper authorization, they can undermine his influence.
Power Struggle: It reveals a power struggle between Jesus and the established religious authorities. Jesus' popularity and actions threatened their position.
Refusal to Acknowledge: The question implies that they do not believe Jesus has any legitimate authority. They are unwilling to accept his claims or recognize his power.
Setting the Stage: This confrontation sets the stage for the debates and conflicts that will ultimately lead to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion.
Authority Question: The question touches on the very nature of authority - where does it come from? From established institutions, or from something else (like a divine source)?
In short, this verse is a pivotal moment where the established religious leaders publicly challenge Jesus' right to teach and act as he does, setting in motion the events that will culminate in his death. It highlights the conflict between traditional authority and a new spiritual authority embodied by Jesus.