John 3:22-30

John 3:22-30

[22] After  came  Jesus  and  his  disciples  into  the land  and  there  he tarried  with  them,  and  baptized.  [23] And  John  also  baptizing  in  Aenon  near  to Salim,  because  much  water  there:  and  they came,  and  were baptized.  [24] For  John  not yet  cast  into  prison.  [25] Then  there arose  a question  between  some of  John's  disciples  and the Jews  about  purifying.  [26] And  they came  unto  John,  and  said  unto him,  Rabbi,  he  with  beyond  Jordan,  to whom  thou  barest witness,  the same  baptizeth,  and  all  men come  to  him.  [27] John  answered  and  said,  A man  can  receive  given  him  from  heaven.  [28] yourselves  witness,  that  I said,  am  not  the Christ,  but  that  I am  sent  before  him.  [29] He that hath  the bride  the bridegroom:  but  the friend  of the bridegroom,  which  standeth  and  heareth  him,  rejoiceth  greatly  because  of the bridegroom's  voice:  this  my  joy  therefore  is fulfilled.  [30] He  must  increase,  but  must decrease. 

What does John 3:22-30 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

The writer next noted the parallel ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus in Judea. John the Baptist readily confessed Jesus" superiority to him even though they were both doing the same things. This was further testimony to Jesus" identity. This section constitutes the very core of the Apostle John"s testimony to Jesus" identity in Jesus" early ministry (chs2-4).