Luke 3:15

Now the people were waiting expectantly, and all of them were debating in their minds whether John might be the Messiah.

This is John’s testimony when the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?”

You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I’ve been sent ahead of Him.’

Then the Jews surrounded Him and asked, “How long are You going to keep us in suspense? If You are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;

Then the Jews surrounded Him and asked, “How long are You going to keep us in suspense? If You are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”

This is John’s testimony when the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?”

You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I’ve been sent ahead of Him.’

He did not refuse to answer, but he declared: “I am not the Messiah.”