16. Return of Jesus; Further Testimony of John
29John saw Jesus cominga toward him and said, 30“Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, 'After me comes a man who ranks before me, for he was before me.' 31For this cause I came baptizing with water that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32And John bore witness, “I saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on him. 34And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God."b(Jn. 1:29–32, 34)
a “John saw Jesus coming”—Jesus is returning from the wilderness after his baptism by John.
b “I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”—At Jesus' baptism John heard the voice of God saying: “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” (Ch. 14, Mt. 3:17)
Jn. 1:29 John saw / The next day he saw (RSV)
Jn. 1:31 For this cause I / but for this I (RSV) (135:9/1505–6)