Definition: And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 21:23. It's a really important part of Jesus’ teachings about his power and authority. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is teaching about who has the right to do what – specifically, to command people to do things like cleanse people or perform rituals. When he appears in the temple (a very important religious place), the leaders present are asking him a direct question: “By what authority do you do these things?” Let's unpack it: “Matthew 21:23” : This is the exact verse we’re talking about. It’s a specific moment in Jesus' ministry. "And when he was come into the temple..." : Jesus is entering a sacred place – the temple, which was used for worship and sacrifices. It’s important because it signifies that he’s speaking to someone who holds significant religious power. "...the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching..." : This means several leaders were present during his lesson. These weren't just any leaders; they were the highest officials in the temple – the ones with the most authority. "and said, By what authority doest thou these things?" : This is the core of the question. They are asking, “You’re doing this – commanding people to perform rituals or make judgments – by what rule or permission does this?”” What it means in a nutshell: Jesus was demonstrating that he had the right to do certain things because he was recognized as the divine authority – the one who is both God and man. He wasn't just a teacher; he was also a representative of God, and his actions were imbued with that power. Why it’s significant: This verse highlights several important points: Jesus’ Divinity: It shows that Jesus isn’t just human but is divine, possessing unique authority. His Role as Leader: It underscores that leadership isn't about power alone but also about being recognized as the one who has the right to make decisions. Does this mean he’s giving authority? Not exactly. Jesus wasn’t simply handing out powers. He was emphasizing that he possessed the authority, and that authority came from God. It's about establishing his rightful position within the religious community. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail (e.g., its connection to Jesus’ teachings about divine law)? Compare it to another passage in the Bible?