{And think not to say within yourselves} (kai m(8820)dox(8874)e
legein en heautois). John touched the tender spot, their
ecclesiastical pride. They felt that the "merits of the fathers,"
especially of Abraham, were enough for all Israelites. At once
John made clear that, reformer as he was, a breach existed
between him and the religious leaders of the time. {Of these
stones} (ek t(936e) lith(936e) tout(936e)). "Pointing, as he spoke to the
pebbles on the beach of the Jordan" (Vincent).