John 3:23

‘And John was also baptising at Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there.'

John the Baptiser did not feel that his work was over because the One to whom he pointed had come, nor did he feel it necessary to become a disciple of Jesus (in the technical sense). The relationship between Jesus and John is informative. John is happy to go on preaching but to ‘decrease' and turn people to Jesus. Jesus on the other hand is careful not to bring discredit on the ministry of John, but to work alongside him. Both recognise that each has a purpose to fulfil in God's service.

The reference to ‘Aenon near Salim', an obscure place, is again evidence of the author's personal knowledge, and of the genuine basis of the narrative. Various identifications have been made but certainty is not obtainable.

‘Because there was much water there.' The need for much water arose from the success of his ministry. Huge crowds were coming to be baptised.