19. The Jews in Jerusalem sent some priests and Levites to John. The Jews sent them to ask, “Who are you?”
20. John spoke freely and did not refuse to answer. He said clearly, “I am not the Christ.”
21. So they asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?”He answered, “No, I am not Elijah.”Then they asked, “Are you the Prophet?”He answered, “No, I am not the Prophet.”
22. Then they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to tell those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”
23. John told them in the words of the prophet Isaiah:“I am the voice of a mancalling out in the desert:‘Make the road straight for the Lord.’” Isaiah 40:3
24. In the group of Jews who were sent, there were some Pharisees.