John Calvin 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)

And this is the testimony. Until now the Evangelist has related the preaching of John about Christ; he now turns to a more illustrious testimony, which was delivered to the ambassadors of the Priests, so that they might convey it to Jerusalem. He says, therefore, that John openly confessed for what purpose he was sent by God.

The first inquiry here is, for what purpose the Priests put questions to him. It is generally believed that, out of hatred to Christ, they gave to John an honor that did not belong to him; but this could not be the reason, for Christ was not yet known to them. Others say that they were better pleased with John because he was of the lineage and order of the priesthood; but I do not think this is probable either.

For since they expected from Christ all prosperity, why did they voluntarily contrive a false Christ? I think, therefore, that there was another reason that induced them. It had now been a long time since they had the Prophets; John came suddenly and contrary to expectation, and the minds of all were aroused to expect the Messiah. Besides, all entertained the belief that the coming of the Messiah was near.

So that they may not appear to be careless about their duty, if they neglect or disguise a matter of so great importance, they ask John, Who art thou? At first, therefore, they did not act from malice but, on the contrary, motivated by the desire for redemption, they wish to know if John is the Christ, because he begins to change the order which had been customary in the Church.

And yet I do not deny that ambition, and a wish to retain their authority, had some influence over them; but nothing certainly was further from their intention than to transfer the honor of Christ to another. Nor was their conduct in this matter inconsistent with the office which they sustained.

For since they held the government of the Church of God, it was their duty to take care that no one rashly obtruded himself, that no founder of a new sect should arise, that the unity of faith should not be broken in the Church, and that no one should introduce new and foreign ceremonies. It is evident, therefore, that a report about John was widely spread and aroused the minds of all; and this was arranged by the wonderful Providence of God, so that this testimony might be more strikingly complete.