John 3:28

28 You yourselves testify about me that I said, 'I am not the Christ, but I am sent before that one.'

John 3:28 Meaning and Commentary

John 3:28

Ye yourselves bear me witness
In what they now said, and referred to, in describing Christ, as he to whom John bore witness; and he appeals to them for what he said in their presence, and before all the people in that testimony: that I said I am not the Christ;
see ( John 1:19 John 1:20 ) ; wherefore, if he, who is the Christ, is now come, and teaches, and baptizes, and has the greatest number of followers, it is not to be wondered at; and much less to be envied; but rather to be rejoiced at. For John, by repeating what he had before said, that he was not the Christ, suggests, that Jesus was; and therefore was superior to him in office, honour, and usefulness, who was only his harbinger and forerunner, as follows: but I am sent before him;
to prepare his way, to make straight his paths, to proclaim his coming, and kingdom, being at hand; and that the expectations of men may be raised, and they may be ready to receive him when come: and hereby the end of John's office, and ministry, had its accomplishment. The Ethiopic version adds, "to preach him".

John 3:28 In-Context

26 And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, he who was with you on the other side of the Jordan, about whom you testified--look, this one is baptizing, and all are coming to him!"

27 John answered and said, "A man can receive not one [thing] unless it is granted to him from heaven!

28 You yourselves testify about me that I said, 'I am not the Christ, but I am sent before that one.'

29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. But the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices {greatly} because of the bridegroom's voice. So this joy of mine is complete.

30 It is necessary for that one to increase, but [for] me to decrease."