Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 1:15

"John beareth witness of him, and crieth, saying, This was he of whom I said, He that cometh after me is become before me: for he was before me." — John 1:15 (ASV)

The author reverts to the witness of John the Baptist to explain further the Baptist’s position as to Christ. The manifestation of Jesus came after John’s appearance, but in importance Jesus took precedence over him. Jesus surpassed John because he was intrinsically greater.