This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.
Ver. 30. Preferred before me, for he was before me] Much ado the Baptist had to persuade this, the common did so admire him for his strict and holy life; for John did no miracle, John 10:41. Holiness hath reverence. Of God himself it is said, "Holy and" therefore "reverend is his name."