7:18, 19 John had borne witness to Jesus (3:16–17), so questions like these are unexpected. Some think his faith had failed in the harsh conditions of Herod’s prison, others that his patience had given out and he was suggesting that Jesus should actively bring in the kingdom. More probably he looked for Jesus to bring judgment, a note that John had stressed in his own ministry. He could not understand why Jesus did not punish sinners, but constantly performed deeds of mercy. Would somebody else come to carry out the threats of judgment?