Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Mark 11:30
The baptism of John, was [it] from heaven, or of men? answer me.
30. The baptism of John ] John was the most recent upholder of the validity of the prophetic order in Israel, and he had distinctly testified to the Messianic authority of our Lord (Joh 1:29-34; Joh 1:36); from whom did he receive his commission to baptize? Was it from heaven, or a mere human assumption of his own?
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Verse 30. See Clarke on Mr 11:27.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
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 comments on Mt 21:25].
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Answer me ( ). This sharp demand for a reply is only in Mark. See also verse 29. Jesus has a right to take this turn because of John’s direct relation to himself. It was not a dodge, but a home thrust that cleared the air and defined their attitude both to John and Jesus. They rejected John as they now reject Jesus.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
1) “The baptism of John,” (to baptisma to loannou) ”Now the baptism of John (the Baptist),” the immersion that John the Baptist administered to his followers, Mat 3:1-12.
2) “Was it from heaven,” (eks ouranou en) “Was it (did it) originate out of and from heaven;” Did its administrative performance originate from heaven – – -The answer is ”it did,” Joh 1:6; Joh 1:30-33.
3) “Or of men?” (e eks anthropon) “Or was it (did it originate) out of and come out of men?” Without Divine sanction or without a Divine mandate? Mat 3:13-17, Joh 1:19-34.
4) ”Answer me.” (apokrithete moi) “Give to me an answer, answer me,” with your compound judgement, your joined judgement. What is your judgement in and of the matter? It is as if He needled them, ”Don’t just stand there, say something,” and they finally did reply, with an hedge, an evasion, a dodge of the question, as follows. Luk 20:4.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
30 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.
Ver. 30. From heaven, or of men, answer me ] So when the enemies of reformation demand what we mean by so doing, ask them what they think of that we do? Is it from heaven or of men? if from heaven, why do not they approve it? if of men, why do not they disprove it by the Scriptures? Bucer and Melancthon framed a form of reformation according to the truth of the gospel, with the approbation of the peers and states of Cullen; but the clergy, though not able to contradict it by good reason, yet rejected it with slander, and said that they had rather choose to live under the Turkish government than under a magistrate that embraced that reformation. (Melch. Ad. in Vita Bucer. )
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Mar 11:30 . , answer me; spoken in the confident tone of one who knows they cannot and will not try.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
heaven. Singular. See note on Mat 6:9, Mat 6:10.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Mar 1:1-11, Mar 9:13, Mat 3:1-17, Luk 3:1-20, Joh 1:6-8, Joh 1:15-36, Joh 3:25-36
Reciprocal: Mat 14:5 – because Mat 17:12 – and they Joh 3:27 – from
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Mar 11:30. Answer me. Peculiar to Mark, bringing out yet more decidedly His challenge of their moral competency, to decide as to His authority. The tone is peremptory, implying confidence of victory in this encounter.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Verse 30
The baptism of John; the preaching and ministry of John.