And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me,
Upon whom you shall see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.
All Commentaries on John 1:33 Go To John 1
Cornelius a Lapide
AD 1637
And I knew Him not, &c With water. Nonnus, "in the laver without fire and the Holy Ghost." A second time S. John declares that he knew not Jesus was the Christ by sight and converse, but by revelation from God, that no one might dare to dispute his testimony. So S. Cyril.
Note the expression abiding. From this it is clear that it is peculiar to Christ to have all the graces of the Holy Spirit, and prophecy, by way of habit; but that in others only those gifts abide which are necessary for holiness of life: according to the words in chap. xiv, "He shall abide with you." (See Suarez, Tract. de fide. disp8 , sect6 , n6.)
