The ones who had been sent were from the Pharisees.
      [1.] He owned himself to be only the minister of the outward sign: "I baptize with water, and that is all; I am no more, and do no more, than what you see; I have no other title than John the Baptist; I cannot confer the spiritual grace signified by it." Paul was in care that none should think of him above what they saw him to be (2 Corinthians 12:6); so was John Baptist. Ministers must not set up for masters.