John Gill Commentary Mark 11:32

"But should we say, From men--they feared the people: for all verily held John to be a prophet." — Mark 11:32 (ASV)

But if we shall say, of men That John's baptism was an human invention, and he had no authority from God to preach and administer it,

they feared the people ; lest being enraged thereby they should, at once, rise up, and destroy them:

for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed ; a real prophet, one truly sent from God, and had his commission and credentials from him: this was the general sentiment of the people; (See Gill on Matthew 21:26).