He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
Ver. 8. He was not that light] As some sinisterly conceited, which therefore occasioned that most necessary digression, John 1:6,10, and drew afterwards, from the Baptist himself, that most vehement profession, John 1:20; "He confessed and denied not, but confessed," &c. He knew well the danger of detracting in the least degree from God's glory. To look upon it only, and lust after it, is to commit spiritual fornication with it in our hearts; for it is God's beloved spouse, and he being jealous, cannot bear a co-rival. Look upon it therefore but with a single eye, Matthew 6:22, and in all addresses to God, give the honour to him; take humility to thyself, as Austin well adviseth, a Let that be thy motto that was his, Propter te, Domine, propter re. Study God's ends, and we may have anything of him, as Moses, Exodus 32:30,35 .
a Illi da claritatem, tibi humilitatem. Aug. ad Bonifac., Eph 205.