Jesus enters Jerusalem
Mark 11:1–11FocusThe arriving king
Connection to the wholeThe entry brings the journey to its destination and prepares for Jesus' actions concerning the temple.
interpretation Mark 11:28
KJVAnd say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?
Read it in context
Authority challenged
Start reading at Mark 11:27 (Mark 11:27 to Mark 11:33).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The leaders' question about authority is met by a question exposing their unwillingness to acknowledge the source of John's ministry.
- 11:27 And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders,
- 11:28 And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?
- 11:29 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.
- 11:30 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.
- 11:31 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
- 11:32 But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed.
- 11:33 And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Mark, traditionally identified as John Mark and associated with Peter's preaching, is the author named by early church testimony. Biblical references: Acts 12:12; 1 Peter 5:13. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Mark 11:1–11:33): Jesus' disciples and the crowds accompany His entry; temple traders, chief priests, scribes, and elders feature in the temple scenes and questions of authority. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers who needed explanations of Jewish customs and Aramaic words, indicating a substantial Gentile audience. An association with Rome is early tradition, not an explicit address in the Gospel. Biblical references: Mark 5:41; Mark 7:3; Mark 7:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Authority challenged. Read Mark 11:27 through Mark 11:33 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The leaders' question about authority is met by a question exposing their unwillingness to acknowledge the source of John's ministry. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account begins with John the Baptist and follows Jesus' public ministry through His death and resurrection. It does not give a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Galilee, surrounding regions, the journey toward Jerusalem, and Jerusalem form the main narrative movement. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Authority challenged (Mark 11:27 to Mark 11:33). Start reading at Mark 11:27. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Mark explicitly presents the gospel of Jesus Christ and connects His service with giving His life a ransom for many. His identity and the call to follow Him shape the narrative. See Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Follow Jesus with obedient service rather than status-seeking. Read predictions of suffering and calls to discipleship alongside accounts of power and deliverance. interpretation
Cited: Mark 11:27, Mark 11:33, Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45
Who wrote it, and how we know
John Mark, recording Peter's preaching (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionPapias, quoting an earlier elder, records that Mark wrote down Peter's preaching accurately.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Other accounts of this event
Jesus' authority is questioned
Parallel accounts
These passages describe overlapping parts of the same event. Each account retains its own wording and emphasis.
Related passages
- And say unto him, By what authority doest… Exod 2:14 Num 16:3,13 Acts 7:27-28,38-39,51
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Mark 11
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
The fig tree and the temple
Mark 11:12–26FocusFruitfulness, prayer, and forgiveness
Connection to the wholeThe intertwined episodes connect judgment on fruitlessness with teaching about faith, prayer, and forgiving others.
interpretation FocusRefusal to answer John
Connection to the wholeThe leaders' question about authority is met by a question exposing their unwillingness to acknowledge the source of John's ministry.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Mark
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
The ministry prepared
Mark 1:1–13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeThe brief opening introduces Jesus and His forerunner, moving rapidly toward the proclamation of the kingdom.
interpretation Authority and opposition
Mark 1:14–3:6FocusTeaching, deliverance, and conflict
Connection to the wholeJesus' works and teaching draw followers while controversies bring the first explicit plot against Him.
interpretation The expanding ministry
Mark 3:7–8:26FocusDisciples, crowds, and understanding
Connection to the wholeTeaching, mighty works, and varied responses repeatedly expose both Jesus' authority and the disciples' difficulty understanding.
interpretation The way to Jerusalem
Mark 8:27–10:52FocusThe Messiah's suffering and following
Connection to the wholePeter's confession is followed by repeated passion predictions and teaching that redefines greatness and discipleship through service.
interpretation FocusTemple conflict and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeJesus' actions and disputes in Jerusalem lead into His teaching about coming troubles and the command to watch.
interpretation Passion and resurrection
Mark 14:1–16:20FocusDeath, the empty tomb, and proclamation
Connection to the wholeBetrayal, trial, and crucifixion lead to the resurrection proclamation and commission recorded in the KJV's final chapter.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.