²⁵ Then there arose a dispute between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purification. ²⁶ And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, ^(A)to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all ^(B)are coming to Him!”

²⁷ John answered and said, ^(C)“A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. ²⁸ You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ^(D)‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ^(E)‘I have been sent before Him.’ ^29 (F)He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but ^(G)the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. ^30 (H)He must increase, but I must decrease. ^31 (I)He who comes from above ^(J)is above all; ^(K)he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. ^(L)He who comes from heaven is above all. ³² And ^(M)what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony. ³³ He who has received His testimony ^(N)has certified that God is true. ^34 (O)For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit ^(P)by measure. ^35 (Q)The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. ^36 (R)He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the ^(S)wrath of God abides on him.”

³³ You have sent to John, ^(A)and he has borne witness to the truth. ³⁴ Yet I do not receive testimony from man, but I say these things that you may be saved. ³⁵ He was the burning and ^(B)shining lamp, and ^(C)you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light.