OUR Lord’s meaning in using this expression appears to be simply this: He declares that the religious light of the least disciple who lived after His crucifixion and resurrection would be far greater than that of John Baptist, who died before those mighty events took place. The weakest believing hearer of Paul would understand things, by the light of Christ’s death on the cross, which John the Baptist could never have explained. Great as that holy man was in faith and courage, the humblest Christian would, in one sense, be greater than he. Greater in grace and works he certainly could not be. But beyond doubt he would be greater in privileges and knowledge. There are many diverse and strange opinions among the commentators about the meaning of these words. Those who wish to examine them will find a full account of them in Chemnitius and Barradius. I believe the true interpretation to be the one I have given.—Bishop Ryle’s Expository Thoughts on the Gospels (Luke).