John 3:25

"Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying."

Commentary

A dispute or debate emerged, suggesting tension between religious groups. The word 'question' (Greek: zētēsis) implies a contentious discussion rather than a simple inquiry. The conflict involved followers of John the Baptist and Jewish religious authorities or practitioners. This highlights the growing distinction between John's baptismal movement and traditional Jewish purification practices. The debate centered on ritual cleansing—whether through traditional Jewish washings or John's baptism of repentance. This theological dispute reflects the larger question of spiritual authority emerging between established religion and the new movement John represented.