John 1:8

John was not the light, but he came to testify about the light.

He spoke openly and, remaining true to himself, admitted, "I am not the Messiah."

You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, "I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.'

Then Paul said, "John baptized when they repented, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus."

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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

He spoke openly and, remaining true to himself, admitted, "I am not the Messiah."

You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, "I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.'

Then Paul said, "John baptized when they repented, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus."

Was John's authority to baptize from heaven or from humans? Answer me."

Before Jesus' appearance, John had already preached a baptism of repentance to all the people in Israel.