Charles Spurgeon Commentary John 1:30-31

"This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man who is become before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not; but that he should be made manifest to Israel, for this cause came I baptizing in water." — John 1:30-31 (ASV)

This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: (John 1:30–31).

Although John knew the Saviour personally, he did not know him officially.

He had a token given to him by God, by which he was to know the Messiah; and he did not officially know him until he had that token fulfilled.

This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not:

John knew Jesus very well; but he did not know him as the Sent One of God, the Messiah, until after he had received the sign and token at his baptism: I knew him not.