3:30 He must increase. The marvelously gracious character of John the Baptist shines here, obviously still filled with the Spirit (Luke 1:15). He was only “a voice in the wilderness,” and that lone voice must soon be stilled, but he had indeed prepared “the way of the Lord” and “[made] ready a people…for the Lord” (Mark 1:3; Luke 1:17).

3:31 cometh from above. Since there is no contextual break after John 3:30, it is reasonable to infer that the testimony of John the Baptist continues through John 3:36. These words demonstrate still further the remarkable understanding he had concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ. In John 3:31, the phrase “from above” is the same Greek word as “again” in John 3:3. Thus to be “born again” is to be born “from above.”

3:34 by measure. John is here speaking of Christ, for certainly “God hath sent” Him, and He was fully controlled by the Holy Spirit. But the words are also applicable to John the Baptist, as he said: “I am sent before Him” (John 3:28). He also was filled with the Spirit (Luke 1:15) and spoke the words of God (John 1:23).

3:35 loveth the Son. The words “Father,” “Son,” and “love” each occur in John’s gospel more than in any other book of the Bible, and there are at least eight references in John to the Father’s love for the Son. That love existed before the creation (John 17:24). The entire creation has been given and all things revealed to Him by the Father (John 3:35; 5:20). The Father especially loves the Son because of His willingness to die for sinners (John 10:15).

3:36 hath everlasting life. The believer has everlasting life right now (not “may have” or even “will have”). On the other hand, the unbeliever in Christ (see notes on John 3:13-15 as to what one must believe), no matter how moral or religious he may be, faces God’s wrath in hell, because he has rejected (or neglected) His great gift of salvation, purchased at such great price—the sacrificial death of His beloved Son.