17. For while the Law was given through Moses, grace (unearned, undeserved favor and spiritual blessing) and truth came through Jesus Christ. [Exod. 20:1.]
18. No man has ever seen God at any time; the only unique Son, or the only begotten God, Who is in the bosom [in the intimate presence] of the Father, He has declared Him [He has revealed Him and brought Him out where He can be seen; He has interpreted Him and He has made Him known]. [Prov. 8:30.]
19. And this is the testimony of John when the Jews sent priests and Levites to him from Jerusalem to ask him, Who are you?
20. He confessed (admitted the truth) and did not try to conceal it, but acknowledged, I am not the Christ!
21. They asked him, What then? Are you Elijah? And he said, I am not! Are you the Prophet? And he answered, No! [Deut. 18:15, 18; Mal. 4:5.]
22. Then they said to him, Who are you? Tell us, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?