Matthew Poole and continuators on John 1:19

19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent Priests and Levites from Jerusalem, to ask him, Who art thou ?

Iohn's former Testimony was more private to the common people; this Testimony was given to a publick Authority. The Iews (most probably the Rulers of the Iews who made up their Sanhedrim, or great Court, answering a Parliament with us, for the cognisance of false Prophets belonged to them) sent Priests and Levites, which v. 24. were Pharisees of the strictest Sect of the Iews, as to Rites and Ceremonies; these came from Ierusalem, where the Sanhedrim constantly sate; and the Chief Priests were (if the Message were not from the Sanhedrim it self) to ask Iohn Baptist who he was; that is, by what Authority he Preached and Baptized? What kind of Prophet he was? for they could not but know his Name and Family, he descending from a Priest amongst them; and this appeareth to be their sense from what followeth.

Marginal references: Chap. 5.33.