Was John the Baptist's baptizing something he initiated on his own (by the Spirit's prompting, of course, in preparing the way for the Messiah)? Was this an acceptable thing to do, at face-value, for someone like him to initiate baptizing people? Or maybe it wasn't "acceptable" and that's why the Pharisees asked why he was doing it if he wasn't Elijah or the Messiah...
John the Baptist's baptizing
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When Jesus was challenged by the chief priests and elders, who asked by what authority he was doing things, Jesus replied with almost the same question:
Matthew 21:25-26 "The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?
But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet."
I think the answer is implied: John's baptism was not "an acceptable thing to do" in the eyes of the chief priests, but they were too much in a bind to do anything about it. They feared the opinon of men, and, ultimately, they feared being exposed by Jesus.
Matthew 21:25-26 "The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?
But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet."
I think the answer is implied: John's baptism was not "an acceptable thing to do" in the eyes of the chief priests, but they were too much in a bind to do anything about it. They feared the opinon of men, and, ultimately, they feared being exposed by Jesus.
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