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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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Book Overview

John

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Commentaries

13

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On John 1:26

18th Century

Theologian

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…

AT Robertson

AT Robertson

On John 1:26

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…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On John 1:26

19th Century

Bishop

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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Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon

On John 1:23–27

19th Century

Preacher

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.…

Expositor's Bible Commentary

Expositor's Bible Commentary

On John 1:26

John suggested that he did not profess to speak with ultimate authority. He was, after all, preaching repentance () and was calling for baptism as …

John Calvin

John Calvin

On John 1:26

16th Century

Theologian

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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John Gill

John Gill

On John 1:26

17th Century

Pastor

John answered them, saying, I baptize with water
Or in water, so the Vulgate Latin, and all the Oriental versions re…

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On John 1:19–28

17th Century

Minister

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…