The Forerunner
A. Beith, D. D. John 1:6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. I. THE MISSION OF THE BAPTIST. 1. It was immediately connected with the appearance of the Word in the flesh. 2. It was of God. And as His mission so his name. 3. It had as its special end to testify of Christ. 4. Its aim was to bring sinners to believe in Christ. This was not merely God's intention, but his own desire. All true ministers have the same object. 5. It contemplated "all" to whom he addressed himself. II. THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN CHRIST AND JOHN. 1. A current error was corrected. Men thought John the Christ. He confessed himself only the friend of the Bridegroom, the witness-bearer of the Light. 2. This correction vindicated the proper glory of Christ. All honour to the witness, but the glory of the light cannot be given to another. 3. In the marked distinction between the forerunner and Him "who coming after him was preferred before him," overweening thoughts of mere instruments, however valuable, are reproved. 4. John's honour consisted in his proclamation of his Master's glory. Nor was this honour denied him. Ministers are esteemed for their works' sake. 5. The distinction in Christ's case from John and all His ministers is that He is "the true Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." (A. Beith, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. WEB: There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John.