Chapter 46: John the Baptist on why he is better than Jesus

1 After these things came Jesus and his warriors into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and cured the infected. 2 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, though there was much infected water there: and they came, and were baptized, and were infected. 3 For John was not yet cast into prison.

4 Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about baptism. 5 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same cure disease, and all men come to him.

6 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. 7 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the disease, but that I am sent before it. 8 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because he may protect the bride. 9 He may cure, but I must prevent. 10 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. 11 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony, but I have protected those that would not hear. 12 He that hath received my protection hath set to his seal that God is true. 13 For he whom God hath sent to baptise speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the evil Spirit by any measure unto him. 14 The Father loveth his children, and hath given all things into my hand. 15 He that believeth in baptism hath everlasting life: and he that reject my water shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.