John 3:26

“And they came unto John, etc.] The Persic version reads, “he came unto John”; that disciple that had the controversy with the Jew about purifying, who not knowing well how to answer him, and which might be the case of more, applied to John: and said unto him, Rabbi; or “master”; or, “our master”; as the Syriac and Persic versions read, which was a title of great respect, and reverence, and much in use in those times; (see Gill on “<402307>Matthew 23:7”) (see Gill on “<402308>Matthew 23:8”). The Arabic version joins this word to the following clause, and applies it to Christ, rendering it thus, “the master that was with thee beyond Jordan”; which is making them to speak more honourably of…”

“Rabbi, &c.--"Master, this man tells us that He to whom thou barest such generous witness beyond Jordan is requiting thy generosity by drawing all the people away to Himself. At this rate, thou shalt soon have no disciples at all." The reply to this is one of the noblest and most affecting utterances that ever came from the lips of man.”

“Came unto John - Came to him with their complaint; envious and jealous at the success of Jesus, and evidently irritated from the discussion, as if their master was about to lose his popularity. Rabbi - Master. See the notes at Matthew 23:7. Acknowledging him as their master and teacher. That was with thee - Who was baptized by thee. Thou barest witness - See John 1:29-35. All men come to him - This was the source of their difficulty. It was that Jesus was gaining popularity; that the people flocked to him; that they feared that John would be forsaken, and his followers be diminished in numbers and influence. Thus many love their sect more than they do Christ, and would be more rejoiced that…”

“3:26 everybody is going to him: Jesus’ popularity made some of John’s followers envious.”

“he that: Num 11:26-29; Ecc 4:4; Co1 3:3-5; Gal 5:20, Gal 5:21, Gal 6:12, Gal 6:13; Jam 3:14-18; Jam 4:5, Jam 4:6 to whom: Joh 1:7, Joh 1:15, Joh 1:26-36 and all: Joh 1:7, Joh 1:9, Joh 11:48, Joh 12:19; Psa 65:2; Isa 45:23; Act 19:26, Act 19:27 John 3:27”