31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. =30, 31. After me cometh=, etc. See on verse 15.--=But that he should be made manifest to Israel therefore am I come=, etc. The object of the Baptist’s ministry was not then merely to preach repentance, but to preach repentance _as a preparation for the coming of the kingdom of God in the incarnation of the King_. And with this agrees his own definition of his mission (verse 23) and the other Evangelists’ epitome of his ministry (Matt. 3:2). The true office of the minister is always that Christ may be made manifest. 32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining[55] on him, the same is he which baptizeth[56] with the Holy Ghost. [55] chap. 3:34. [56] Acts 1:5; 2:4. 34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. =32-34. And John witnessed.= Evidently the Evangelist here speaks of his witness at some period subsequent to the baptism, and therefore subsequent to the temptation which immediately succeeded the baptism.--=I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove.= That is, in the form of a dove. The vision was seen only by Jesus and John. On it see Matt. 3:16, note.--=And it abode upon him.= The Spirit of God, not the dove, abode. That John in some way recognized the abiding as a part of the sign of Christ’s Messiahship, is evident from the next verse; how he recognized it is not indicated.--=I also knew him not.= He connects himself with the people who knew him not (verse 26). =I=, as well as you, knew him not, till this sign was vouchsafed me. Why then did he at first object to baptizing Jesus, if he did not recognize in him the Christ (Matt. 3:14). He was second cousin of Jesus; knew him, probably, as a pure and holy man; perhaps knew the facts respecting Jesus’ birth, which were certainly known to John’s mother; may even have _suspected_ that he was the promised Messiah; and at all events may have believed that he needed no baptism of repentance. He did not, however, know him to be the Messiah, and did not recognize him _as such_, till after the promised sign, and this followed the baptism of Jesus.--=Saw and bare witness.= That is, at that time. He refers the people to his witness-bearing at the time of the baptism, a testimony which was still fresh in their memory. 35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples: 36 And looking upon Jesus as he walketh, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! 37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.