John Calvin Commentary John 3:31

"He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is of the earth, and of the earth he speaketh: he that cometh from heaven is above all." — John 3:31 (ASV)

He who comes from above. By another comparison, John the Baptist shows how widely Christ differs from all others and how far Christ is above them. For John compares Christ to a king or distinguished general who, speaking from his lofty seat, should be heard with reverence for his authority; John, however, shows that it is enough for him to speak from the lowest footstool of Christ. Regarding the second clause, the old Latin translation has the words is of the earth only once, while the Greek manuscripts agree in repeating them twice. I suspect that some, lacking understanding, considered the repetition to be superfluous and therefore erased it. But the meaning is this: he who is of earth gives evidence of his origin and remains in an earthly rank according to the condition of his nature. John maintains that it is unique to Christ alone to speak from above, because he came from heaven.

But it may be asked: Did not John also come from heaven regarding his calling and office? And was it not therefore the duty of people to hear the Lord speaking by his mouth? For John appears to do injustice to the heavenly doctrine that he delivers. I reply that this was not said absolutely, but by comparison. If ministers are considered separately, they speak as from heaven—with the highest authority—what God commanded them. But as soon as they begin to be contrasted with Christ, they must no longer be anything. Thus the Apostle, comparing the Law with the Gospel, says:

Since they did not escape who despised him who spoke on earth, beware lest you despise him who is from heaven,
(Hebrews 12:25).

Christ, therefore, wishes to be acknowledged in his ministers, but in such a way that he himself may remain the only Lord, and that they may be satisfied with the rank of servants; but especially when a comparison is made, he wishes to be so distinguished that he alone may be exalted.