3 to ask him, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?"
3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?
3 and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?"
3 to ask, "Are you the One we've been expecting, or are we still waiting?"
3 and said to Him, "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?"
3 "Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?"
37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
37 For, "Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay;
37 It won't be long now, he's on the way; he'll show up most any minute.
37 "For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.
37 "For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay.
(Read Hebrews 10:32-39)
Many and various afflictions united against the early Christians, and they had a great conflict. The Christian spirit is not a selfish spirit; it puts us upon pitying others, visiting them, helping them, and pleading for them. All things here are but shadows. The happiness of the saints in heaven will last for ever; enemies can never take it away as earthly goods. This will make rich amends for all we may lose and suffer here. The greatest part of the saints' happiness, as yet, is in promise. It is a trial of the patience of Christians, to be content to live after their work is done, and to stay for their reward till God's time to give it is come. He will soon come to them at death, to end all their sufferings, and to give them a crown of life. The Christian's present conflict may be sharp, but will be soon over. God never is pleased with the formal profession and outward duties and services of such as do not persevere; but he beholds them with great displeasure. And those who have been kept faithful in great trails for the time past, have reason to hope for the same grace to help them still to live by faith, till they receive the end of their faith and patience, even the salvation of their souls. Living by faith, and dying in faith, our souls are safe for ever.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 11:3
Commentary on Matthew 11:2-6
(Read Matthew 11:2-6)
Some think that John sent this inquiry for his own satisfaction. Where there is true faith, yet there may be a mixture of unbelief. The remaining unbelief of good men may sometimes, in an hour of temptation; call in question the most important truths. But we hope that John's faith did not fail in this matter, and that he only desired to have it strengthened and confirmed. Others think that John sent his disciples to Christ for their satisfaction. Christ points them to what they heard and saw. Christ's gracious condescensions and compassions to the poor, show that it was he that should bring to the world the tender mercies of our God. Those things which men see and hear, if compared with the Scriptures, direct in what way salvation is to be found. It is difficult to conquer prejudices, and dangerous not to conquer them; but those who believe in Christ, their faith will be found so much the more to praise, and honour, and glory.