“Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?”
Finally they said, 'Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?' — the authorities demand direct identification, pressing for clarity. The frustration in their question reflects the Gospel's running theme: humanity seeks straightforward answers about identity, while John and Jesus prefer enigmatic self-revelation requiring spiritual discernment.
Church Fathers on John 1:22
This is the second testimony of John the Baptist to Christ, the first began with, This is He of Whom I spoke; and ended with, He has declared Him.
Or, after the introduction above of John’s testimony to Christ, is preferred before me, the Evangelist now adds when the above testimony was given, And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem.
Such confidence had they in John, that they were ready to believe him on his own words: witness how it is said, To ask him, Who are you?
Read all 22 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
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