He himself was not the light; he came to tell about the light.
John did not refuse to answer, but spoke out openly and clearly, saying: “I am not the Messiah.”
This was the real light—the light that comes into the world and shines on all people.
You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.’
Paul said, “The baptism of John was for those who turned from their sins; and he told the people of Israel to believe in the one who was coming after him—that is, in Jesus.”