John 3:27

“John answered and said, etc.] The Syriac and Arabic versions add, “to them”; the answer being made to the disciples of John, who came to him with their complaint: a man can receive nothing; the Syriac and Persic versions add, “of his own will”: some understand this of Christ, as man, who did not take upon him the character of the Messiah, nor the office of a Mediator, nor the honour of it of himself; and who received the gifts and graces of the Spirit of God, without measure, and had his success in his work from above: and indeed, it is true of both Christ, and John; for as Christ, so John received his office, and honour, as the harbinger and forerunner of Christ, and all his gifts…”

“A man, &c.--"I do my heaven-prescribed work, and that is enough for me. Would you have me mount into my Master's place? Said I not unto you, I am not the Christ? The Bride is not mine, why should the people stay with me?? Mine it is to point the burdened to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world, to tell them there is Balm in Gilead, and a Physician there. And shall I grudge to see them, in obedience to the call, flying as a cloud, and as doves to their windows? Whose is the Bride but the Bridegroom's? Enough for me to be the Bridegroom's friend, sent by Him to negotiate the match, privileged to bring together the Saviour and those He is come to seek and to save, and rejoicing…”

“John answered ... - John did not enter into their feelings or sympathize with their love of party. He came to honor Jesus, not to build up a sect, He rejoiced at the success of the Messiah, and began to teach them to rejoice in it also. A man can receive nothing ... - All success is from heaven. All my success was from God. All the success of Jesus is from God. As success comes from the same source, we ought not to be envious. It is designed to answer the same end, and, by whomsoever accomplished, the hand of God is in it, and we should rejoice. If Jesus and his disciples are successful, if all men flee to him, it is proof that God favors him, and you should rejoice. return to 'Top of Page'”

“A man can receive nothing - Neither he nor I. Neither could he do this, unless God had sent him: nor can I receive the title of Christ, or any honour comparable to that which he hath received from heaven. They seem to have spoken with jealousy and resentment; John answers with sweet composure of spirit. John 3:29”

“3:27-35 John the Baptist’s speech was inspired by two issues: (1) Some had questioned the legitimacy of his baptism (see 1:26), and (2) his disciples were concerned that people were beginning to follow Jesus instead of John (3:26).”

“A man: Num 16:9-11, Num 17:5; Ch1 28:4, Ch1 28:5; Jer 1:5, Jer 17:16; Amo 7:15; Mat 25:15; Mar 13:34; Rom 1:5, Rom 12:6; Co1 1:1, Co1 2:12-14, Co1 3:5, Co1 4:7, Co1 12:11, Co1 15:10; Gal 1:1; Eph 1:1, Eph 3:7, Eph 3:8; Ti1 2:7; Jam 1:17; Pe1 4:10, Pe1 4:11 receive: or, take unto himself, Heb 5:4, Heb 5:5 from: Mat 21:25; Mar 11:30, Mar 11:31 John 3:28”