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He must increase, but I must decrease.
Verse Takeaways
1
A Model of Humble Joy
John the Baptist's statement is the ultimate expression of humility. Commentators explain that he wasn't jealous or disappointed but filled with joy. Like a best man whose role ends at the wedding, or a morning star that fades at sunrise, John understood his purpose was to prepare the way for Christ. His life serves as a model for all believers: finding our greatest honor in pointing others to Jesus and elevating Him above ourselves.
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Book Overview
John
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10
18th Century
Presbyterian
He must increase. His authority and influence among the people must grow. His doctrine will continue to spread until it extends t…
Must (δε). It has to be (). He is to go on growing (present active infinitive αυξανειν) while I go on decreasing (present passive …
19th Century
Anglican
He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30)—The office of the paranymph ceases to exist when the marri…
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Baptist
As fades the morning star when the sun himself arises, so was it the joy of the herald of Chr…
John showed no jealousy whatever; on the contrary, he reaffirmed his subordinate position (cf. 1:29–31). He would not claim for himself final autho…
16th Century
Protestant
He must increase. John the Baptist proceeds further. For, having formerly been raised by the Lord to the highest dignity, he shows that th…
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
He must increase Not in stature of body, or in wisdom and understanding of mind, as man, he being come to maturity i…
John was fully satisfied with the place and work assigned to him, but Jesus came for a more important work. He also knew that Jesus would increase …
13th Century
Catholic
Here we have John’s answer to the question his disciples presented to him. Their question contained two points: a complaint about the off…