John 1:8

He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ."

You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.'

And Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus."

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ."

You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.'

And Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus."

Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer me."

Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.