²⁴ (This was before John was put into prison [Matt. 4:12].)

²⁵ Some of John’s ·followers [disciples] had an ·argument [discussion; debate] with a Jew about ·religious washing [ceremonial cleansing; ^Lpurification; ^Cthe Jewish people washed themselves for ritual purposes before eating, before worshiping in the Temple, and at other special times]. ²⁶ So they came to John and said, “Teacher [^LRabbi], remember the man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan River, the one ·you spoke about so much [^Labout whom you have testified/witnessed]? He is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”