What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
Christ spoke well of John to silence those who might doubt him, teaching us to defend the reputation of our brothers when they cannot speak for themselves. John humbled himself to exalt Christ; now Christ exalts John before all men. Those who honor Christ shall be honored by Him.
AI summary
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.