What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
We have here the high encomium which our Lord Jesus gave of John the Baptist; not only to revive his honour, but to revive his work. Some of Christ's disciples might perhaps take occasion from the question John sent, to reflect upon him, as weak and wavering, and inconsistent with himself, to prevent which Christ gives him this character.
Commenting on Matthew 11:7-15
For this is he of whom it is written,.... Mal 3:1 Behold I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. That these words belong , to the world to come, or the times of the Messiah, that is, the Gospel dispensation, the Jews (z) themselves own; but as to the particular person meant by the "messenger", or "angel", because...
Verse 9. A prophet?. He next asks whether they went to see a prophet? They had regarded him as such; and Jesus tells them that in this their apprehensions of him were correct. More than a prophet. Sustaining a character more elevated and sacred than the most distinguished of the ancient prophets. Those had been regarded as the most eminent of the prophets who had most clearly predicted the Messiah.