matthew 21:23 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? - Free Bible Online

      Mt 21:23-46. THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS QUESTIONED AND THE REPLY--THE PARABLES OF THE TWO SONS, AND OF THE WICKED HUSBANDMAN. ( = Mr 11:27-12:12; Lu 20:1-19).

      Now commences, as ALFORD remarks, that series of parables and discourses of our Lord with His enemies, in which He develops, more completely than ever before, His hostility to their hypocrisy and iniquity: and so they are stirred up to compass His death.

      The Authority of Jesus Questioned, and the Reply (Mt 21:23-27).

      23. By what authority doest thou these things!--referring particularly to the expulsion of the buyers and sellers from the temple,
      and who gave thee this authority?

JFB.