Now this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was.
John had attracted much attention by his preaching and baptism, and by the great number of people who were following him. (Matt 3:5) In light of the fact that the religious leaders of the day were careful to squelch any movements which might attract the attention of the Romans, it is not surprising that they sent a delegation to investigate John. It was the “Jews of Jerusalem” who sent the delegation, a probable reference to the Sanhedrin, but an almost positive reference to the leaders of the Jews. It was quite an honor to John for them to come so far to investigate the Baptist. John was at Bethany or Bethabara beyond Jordan, (John 1:28) which was not the Bethany close to Jerusalem, but, according to Josephus, was about a day’s journey, or 26 miles, from Jerusalem. Their question was simple: they wanted to know who John claimed to be; but the purpose they fulfilled was unknown to them. They enabled John to officially bear witness to the One for Whom he was the forerunner.
Matthew 3:5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan.
John 1:28 This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.