AUV(i)
25 [About then] a dispute arose between John’s disciples and a Jew over ceremonial cleansing.
26 These disciples went to John and said to him, “Rabbi, look, that man who was with you on the east side of the Jordan River [i.e., Jesus], whom you testified about, is immersing people and everyone is going to him.” [Note: Actually, it was Jesus’ disciples who did the immersing. See 4:2].
27 John replied to them, “A person cannot receive anything, unless it has been given to him from [God in] heaven.
28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ [i.e., God’s specially chosen one] but [rather] that I was sent [by God] ahead of Him.’
29 The one who has the bride is the groom; but the best man, who stands up with him and listens to him [take his vows], is very happy when he hears him speak. So, [now] my joy is complete [i.e. over hearing about Jesus’ ministry].
30 He [i.e., Jesus] must increase [in importance and influence], while I must decrease.”
31 The One who comes from above [i.e., Jesus] ranks over all [others]; but the one who is out of the earth [i.e., of human origin] is [merely] an earthly [being] and he speaks in earthly [ways]. [But] the One who comes from heaven [i.e., Jesus] ranks over all [others].
32 He testifies concerning what He has seen and heard, but no one accepts His testimony.
33 The person who has accepted Jesus’ testimony has confirmed this [fact], that God is truthful.
34 For the One whom God has sent [i.e., Jesus] speaks the words of God, for He [i.e., God] does not give the Holy Spirit in a limited quantity [i.e., to Jesus. See next verse].
35 The Father loves the Son and has given everything into His hands [See Eph. 1:20-22].
36 The person who believes in the Son has never ending life, but the person who disobeys the Son will not see life [i.e., will not experience never ending life], but [instead], God’s wrath remains on him.