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1
After Me, Yet Before Me
Commentators explain the paradox in John's statement. While Jesus came "after" John in terms of his birth and public ministry, He is "before" John in rank and honor. The reason given—"for he was before me"—is a direct claim to Jesus's eternal pre-existence and divinity, affirming He existed long before John was ever born.
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John
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Commentaries
11
Albert Barnes
On John 1:15
18th Century
Theologian
John bare witness of him — The evangelist now returns to the testimony of John the Baptist. He had stated that the Word became incarnate, …
AT Robertson
On John 1:15
Beareth witness (μαρτυρε). Historical (dramatic) present indicative of this characteristic word in John (cf. 1:17f.). See 1:32,34 …
Charles Ellicott
On John 1:15
19th Century
Bishop
John bore witness of him, and cried.—Better, John bears witness of him, and cries. The latter verb is past in tense, but present …
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Charles Spurgeon
On John 1:15–18
19th Century
Preacher
John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.…
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On John 1:15
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 Calvin
On John 1:15
16th Century
Theologian
John testifieth. He now relates what John's preaching was. By using the verb testifieth (μαρτυρεῖ) in the present tense, he indic…
John Gill
On John 1:15
17th Century
Pastor
John bore witness of him
Which was his office and business, for which purpose he was sent, (John 1:6–8)<…
Matthew Henry
On John 1:15–18
17th Century
Minister
As to the order of time and entrance on His work, Christ came after John, but in every other way He was before him. This expression clearly shows t…