John 5:33

33 "You sent to John, and he both was and still is a witness to the truth.

John 5:33 Meaning and Commentary

John 5:33

Ye sent unto John
The sanhedrim at Jerusalem made a deputation of priests and Levites to him, to know who he was, whether the Messiah, or Elias, or that prophet, ( John 1:19 ) . Now had they not looked upon him, from what they knew of him, or from the character they had of him, as a faithful witness, they would never have shown him so much respect, and have been at so much pains, and charge, as to send such a body of men so far unto him, as from Jerusalem to beyond Jordan; which circumstance our Lord improves in favour of this evidence he produces:

and he bare witness unto the truth;
to Christ, who is the truth itself; and to the truth of his person, and office; to his dignity, and eternity, as being before him, though coming after him; and to his divine sonship, the thing now in debate, declaring, that he was the Son of God; and to his office, as Mediator, pointing to him as the Lamb of God, who, by his blood, and sacrifice, takes away the sins of men. The Ethiopic version reads by way of interrogation, "did not you send unto John?" &c.

John 5:33 In-Context

31 "If I give testimony concerning myself, my testimony cannot be accepted.

32 There is Another who gives testimony concerning me, and I know that the testimony is true which He offers concerning me.

33 "You sent to John, and he both was and still is a witness to the truth.

34 But the testimony on my behalf which I accept is not from man; though I say all this in order that you may be saved.

35 He was the lamp that burned and shone, and for a time you were willing to be gladdened by his light.