who was sent
The Greek word "ἀπεσταλμένος" (apestalmenos) is used here, which is derived from "apostellō," meaning to send forth with a specific purpose. This indicates that John's mission was not self-appointed but divinely commissioned. In the context of the Bible, being "sent" by God carries the weight of authority and purpose, aligning John with the prophets of the Old Testament who were also sent to prepare the way for God's work.

from God
This phrase underscores the divine origin of John's mission. The preposition "παρά" (para) in Greek, translated as "from," implies a close association or direct commission. John's role as a forerunner to Christ is thus validated by his divine sending, reinforcing the idea that he is part of God's redemptive plan. This divine backing would have been crucial for his acceptance by the people as a legitimate prophet.

His name was John
The name "John" is derived from the Hebrew "Yohanan," meaning "Yahweh is gracious." This name is significant as it reflects the grace of God in sending a messenger to prepare the way for the Messiah. In the historical and scriptural context, names often carried prophetic significance, and John's name is a testament to the grace that would be fully realized in the coming of Jesus Christ. John's identity and mission are thus intertwined with the overarching theme of divine grace and redemption.

On the mission of John, see Notes on Matthew 3. The name was not uncommon, but it is striking that it is given here without the usual distinctive "Baptist." The writer stood to him in the relation of disciple to teacher. To him he was the John. A greater teacher had not then appeared, but when He did appear, former teacher and disciple alike bear witness to Him. Great as was the forerunner, the least in the kingdom of heaven became greater than he was, and to after ages the disciple became the John, and his earlier master is given the title "Baptist," which distinguishes the man and commemorates the work.

(4) The general manifestation of the revealing Logos. Verses 6-8. -

(a) The prophetic dispensation. Verse 6. - There was a man, sent from (παρά Θεοῦ) God, whose name was John. Observe the contrast between the ἐγένετο of John's appearance and the η΅ν of the Logos, between the "man" John sent from God and the (ΛΟΓΟΣ ΣΑΡΧ ΑΓΑΝΑΤΟ) "Word became flesh" of ver. 14. At this point the evangelist touches on the temporal mission and effulgence of the true Light in the Incarnation; yet this paragraph deals with far more general characteristics and wider ranges of thought than the earthly ministry of Christ on which he is about to enlarge. First of all, he deals with the testimony of John in its widest sense; afterwards he enlarges upon it in its striking detail. Consequently, we think that "the man," "John," is, when first introduced, referred to in his representative character rather than his historical position. The teaching of the prophets and synoptists shows that "John" was rather the exponent of the old covenant than the harbinger of the new. He was the embodiment of the idea of prophet, priest, and ascetic of the patriarchal, Mosaic, and latest Hebraic revelation. He was "more than a prophet." No one greater than he had ever been born of woman, and his functions in these several particulars are strongly impressed upon that disciple who here loses his own individuality in the strength of his Master's teaching. Through this very "man sent from God" the apostle had been prepared to see and personally receive the Logos incarnate. His personality gathered up for our author all that there was in the past of definite revelation, while Jesus filled up all the present and the future. First of all, he treats the mission of the Baptist as representative of all that wonderful past.

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