Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 11:1-3

"And it came to pass when Jesus had finished commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and preach in their cities. Now when John heard in the prison the works of the Christ, he sent by his disciples and said unto him, Art thou he that cometh, or look we for another?" — Matthew 11:1-3 (ASV)

And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?

Had John's faith begun to waver? It is possible that it had. Elijah had his times of trembling and depression; then, why might the second Elijah not have the same sort of experience? Possibly, John wished to strengthen the faith of his followers, and therefore he sent two of his leading disciples to Jesus, that they might make the inquiry for themselves as to whether he was the Christ or not.