1 Or, And certain had been sent from among the Pharisees.
2 Or, in.
3 Many ancient authorities read Bethabarah, some Betharabah.
a In 1:19 the priests and Levites are Sadducees. The idea seems to be that the Pharisees had the Sadducees sent on this embassy (cf. [§ 22]). Later Jesus will say that John was Elijah that was to come; some will even take Jesus to be Elijah.
§ 27. JOHN'S IDENTIFICATION OF JESUS AS THE MESSIAH
At Bethany beyond the Jordan
John 1:29-34
29 On the morrow he seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God, which 1taketh away the sin of the world [see Isa. 53:7]! 30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is become before me: for he was 2before me. 31 And I knew him not; but that he should be made manifest to Israel, for this cause came I baptizing 3with water. 32 And John bare witness, saying, I have beheld the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven; and it abode upon him. 33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize 3with water, he said unto me, Upon whomsoever thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and abiding upon him, the same is he that baptizeth 3with the Holy Spirit. 34 And I have seen, and have borne witness that this is the son of God.a
1 Or, beareth the sin.
2 Gr. first in regard of me.