Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 1:19

"And this is the witness of John, when the Jews sent unto him from Jerusalem priests and Levites to ask him, Who art thou?" — John 1:19 (ASV)

The miracle of the Incarnation called for witnesses to substantiate its reality. First in order is that of John the Baptist. His preaching attracted such large crowds that the Jewish hierarchy in Jerusalem sent priests (the theological authorities of the nation) and Levites (those concerned with the ritual and service of the temple) to investigate him. John did not seem to fit into any category familiar to the Jewish authorities, and his unusual success demanded an explanation.