The Pulpit Commentary on John 1:15

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

The testimony of John the Baptist.

I. THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE MESSIAH. "This was he of whom I spake." Thus he was the true forerunner of Christ.

II. THE TRUE POSITION OF THE MESSIAH IN RELATION TO THE BAPTIST. "He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me."

1. There is here a recognition of the pre-existence of Christ, as well as of his higher dignity. (John 3:33.)

2. It is a testimony that bespeaks the sincere humility of the Baptist. Though "amongst them that were born of women there was not a greater than John the Baptist," he took his true place of inferiority at the feet of Jesus. To exalt Christ was his mission. He never thinks of himself.

More for John 1:15

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

The Pulpit Commentary on John 1:1-51John 1:1-51 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION THE title of the book is differently given in the manuscripts and ancient versions, and the differences are so considerable that they cannot be referred to the original text. The simplest form of the title is…The Pulpit Commentary on John 1:1-18John 1:1-18 · The Pulpit Commentary1. The hypothesis framed by the evangelist to account for the series of facts which he is about to narrate is seen especially in John 1:14; but before asserting this great fact that the Word was made flesh, he proceeds…Matthew Henry on John 1:15-18John 1:15-18 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryAs to the order of time and entrance on his work, Christ came after John, but in every other way he was before him. The expression clearly shows that Jesus had existence before he appeared on earth as man. All fulness d…John's Testimony to ChristJohn 1:15-18 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleJOHN'S TESTIMONY TO CHRIST. In these verses, I. The evangelist begins again to give us John Baptist's testimony concerning Christ, John 1:15. He had said (John 1:8) that he came for a witness; now here he tells us that…The Pulpit Commentary on John 1:15John 1:15 · The Pulpit Commentary(6) The testimony to this fact by the prophetic spirit. The evangelist, in support and vindication of the profound impression produced upon himself and others by the Christ, cites the startling and paradoxical testimony…

commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on John 1:1-51EXPOSITION THE title of the book is differently given in the manuscripts and ancient versions, and the differences are so considerable that they cannot be referred to the original text. The simplest form of the title is…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on John 1:1-181. The hypothesis framed by the evangelist to account for the series of facts which he is about to narrate is seen especially in John 1:14; but before asserting this great fact that the Word was made flesh, he proceeds…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryMatthew Henry on John 1:15-18As to the order of time and entrance on his work, Christ came after John, but in every other way he was before him. The expression clearly shows that Jesus had existence before he appeared on earth as man. All fulness d…Matthew Henry commentaryJohn's Testimony to ChristJOHN'S TESTIMONY TO CHRIST. In these verses, I. The evangelist begins again to give us John Baptist's testimony concerning Christ, John 1:15. He had said (John 1:8) that he came for a witness; now here he tells us that…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on John 1:15(6) The testimony to this fact by the prophetic spirit. The evangelist, in support and vindication of the profound impression produced upon himself and others by the Christ, cites the startling and paradoxical testimony…Joseph S. Exell and contributors sermonThe Excellency of the GospelThe GospelOluwaseyi Adelaju sermonBehold the Lamb of God! — Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1857) Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1857)