They deliberated among themselves what they should answer: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’
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.
Commenting on Mark 11:27-33
But if we shall say, of men,.... That John's baptism was an human invention, and he had no authority from God to preach and administer it, they feared the people; lest being enraged thereby they should, at once, rise up, and destroy them: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed; a real prophet, one truly sent from God, and had his...