They had been sent (απεσταλμενο ησαν). Periphrastic past perfect passive of αποστελλω.

From the Pharisees …

Were of the Pharisees – For an account of this sect, see the notes at Matthew 3:7. It is not certainly known why they are particularly men…

They which were sent.—The best manuscripts omit the relative, and the verse thus becomes, “And they had been sent from the Pharisees.” (Fo…

And this in the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who are you? And he confessed and denied not;…

Origen of Alexandria: After the questions of the priests and Levites were answered, another mission comes from the Pharisees:…

The Pharisees represented the strict interpreters of the Law and were particularly interested in examining the credentials of any new religious tea…

Were of the Pharisees. He says that they were Pharisees, who at that time held the highest rank in the Church; he does so to info…

And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. Who were the straitest sect of religion among the Jews; were very zealous…

John denies being the Christ, who was then expected and waited for. He came in the spirit and power of Elias, but he was not the person of Elias. J…

Above, we saw John bear witne to Christ when he was questioned about matters concerning himself; here, he is questioned about matters concerning hi…