25 Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples 3:25 Mt 9:14; 11:2; 14:12; Mk 2:18; 6:29; Lk 5:33; 7:18–19; 11:1; Jn 1:35,37; 6:3 and a Jew 3:25 Other mss read and the Jews about purification. 3:25 Lv 13–14; Heb 1:326 So they came to John and told him, "Rabbi, 3:26 Jn 11:8 the one you testified about, and who was with you across the Jordan, 3:26 Mk 10:1; Lk 3:3 is baptizing — and everyone is going to him." 3:26 Mk 1:45
27 John responded, "No one can receive anything unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, 3:28 Mt 1:17; Eph 5:2 but I’ve been sent ahead of him.’ 3:28 Lk 1:1729 He who has the bride 3:29 Rv 21:2 is the groom. But the groom’s friend, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly 3:29 Lit with joy rejoices at the groom’s voice. So this joy 3:29 Jn 15:11 of mine is complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease."