He must increase
Not in stature of body, or in wisdom and understanding of mind,
as man, he being come to maturity in these things already; but in
fame, credit, and reputation among men; as he afterwards did in
the land of Judea, by reason of his miracles and doctrines; and
after that among the Gentiles, through the publication of his
Gospel; and will more and more in the latter day, when he, and he
alone, shall be exalted: and he must increase in the ministry of
his word, which was published by him, and his disciples,
throughout all the cities of Israel; and which, after his
resurrection and ascension, grew and increased mightily,
notwithstanding the opposition made unto it both by their civil
and ecclesiastical rulers; and which, by the means of his
apostles, was spread throughout the Gentile world, and will
hereafter cover the earth, as the waters do the sea: and also in
his kingdom and interest, which at first were very small, like a
grain of mustard seed, or like a little stone cut out of the
mountain without hands; but in process of time grew exceedingly,
and will, ere long, till the face of the whole earth; for the
kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord, and
of his Christ; and his dominion shall be from sea to sea, and
from the river to the ends of the earth; and of the increase of
it there shall be no end. And so likewise in the number of his
followers, which at first were but few in Judea, but afterwards
greatly increased, and especially among the Gentiles; and will be
very numerous in the latter day glory, when the nation of the
Jews will be born at once, and the fulness and forces of the
Gentiles are brought in: but I must decrease;
as he did in his esteem among the people; see ( John 5:3 John 5:5 ) ; and in his
work and office, which were now come to an end, Christ, whose
forerunner he was, being come; and quickly after this he was put
into prison, and there put to death.