John 1:24

“And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.] Who were the straitest sect of religion among the Jews; were very zealous of the traditions of the elders, and professed an expectation of the Messiah; and were famous in the nation for their knowledge and learning, as well as for their devotion and sanctity: and many of them were in the sanhedrim, as appears from (<430301>John 3:1, <442306>Acts 23:6), (See Gill on “<400307>Matthew 3:7”).”

“Were of the Pharisees - For an account of this sect, see the notes at Matthew 3:7. Why they are particularly mentioned is not certainly known. Many of the “Sadducees” came to his baptism Matthew 3:7, but it seems that they did not join in sending to him to know what was the design of John. This circumstance is one of those incidental and delicate allusions which would occur to no impostor in forging a book, and which show that the writers of the New Testament were honest men and knew what they affirmed. Because: The Pharisees composed a great part of the Sanhedrin, Acts 23:6. It is probable that a deputation from the Sanhedrin would be of that party. The Pharisees were very tenacious of…”

“They who were sent were of the Pharisees - Who were peculiarly tenacious of old customs, and jealous of any innovation (except those brought in by their own scribes) unless the innovator had unquestionable proofs of Divine authority. John 1:25”

“1:24 The Pharisees were deeply devoted to the Scriptures and earnestly desired a righteous life. They also believed in the coming Messiah, which explains their inquiries here. Some Pharisees became believers in Jesus (Acts 15:5), including the apostle Paul (Acts 26:5; Phil 3:5).”

“were of: Joh 3:1, Joh 3:2, Joh 7:47-49; Mat 23:13-15, Mat 23:26; Luk 7:30, Luk 11:39-44, Luk 11:53, Luk 16:14; Act 23:8; Act 26:5; Phi 3:5, Phi 3:6 Joh 1:25 Why: Mat 21:23; Act 4:5-7, Act 5:28 that Christ: Joh 1:20-22; Dan 9:24-26 John 1:26”