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John answered them, "I baptize in water, but among you stands one whom you don`t know,
Verse Takeaways
1
The Sign vs. The Substance
John clarifies that his role is to administer an outward sign: baptism with water for repentance. Commentators like John Calvin explain this sets up a crucial contrast. While John performs the external rite, he points to Jesus as the one who possesses the true power to baptize with the Holy Spirit, bringing inner transformation. John's ministry is the sign; Christ is the substance.
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John
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14
18th Century
Presbyterian
I baptize – He did not deny it; nor did he condescend to state his authority. He had indeed done so. He admitted that he had intr…
In the midst of you standeth (μεσος υμων στηκε). Adjective as in 19:18, not εν μεσω υμων. Present active indicative of late verb σ…
19th Century
Anglican
I baptize with water.—The passage of Ezekiel is probably present to the mind, with its contrast between water and spirit.
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Baptist
Of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.…
John suggested that he did not profess to speak with ultimate authority. He was, after all, preaching repentance () and was calling for baptism as …
16th Century
Protestant
I baptize with water. This ought to have been abundantly sufficient for the correction of their mistake, but a reproof otherwise clear is …
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
John answered them, saying, I baptize with water Or in water, so the Vulgate Latin, and all the Oriental versions re…
John denies being the Christ, who was then expected and waited for. He came in the spirit and power of Elias, but he was not the person of Elias. J…
13th Century
Catholic
Above, we saw John bear witness to Christ when he was questioned about matters concerning himself; here, he is questioned about matters concerning …
