28 You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.'
28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.
28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.'
28 You yourselves were there when I made it public that I was not the Messiah but simply the one sent ahead of him to get things ready.
28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but, 'I have been sent before Him.'
28 You yourselves know how plainly I told you, 'I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on John 3:28
Commentary on John 3:22-36
(Read John 3:22-36)
John was fully satisfied with the place and work assigned him; but Jesus came on a more important work. He also knew that Jesus would increase in honour and influence, for of his government and peace there would be no end, while he himself would be less followed. John knew that Jesus came from heaven as the Son of God, while he was a sinful, mortal man, who could only speak about the more plain subjects of religion. The words of Jesus were the words of God; he had the Spirit, not by measure, as the prophets, but in all fulness. Everlasting life could only be had by faith in Him, and might be thus obtained; whereas all those, who believe not in the Son of God, cannot partake of salvation, but the wrath of God for ever rests upon them.