Final answer:
The priests and Levites asked John who he was and what he said about himself due to their role as religious authorities and their curiosity about John's teachings. John clarified that he was not the messiah but the voice in the wilderness preparing the way for the messiah to come.
Step-by-step explanation:
The priests and Levites asked John who he was and what he said about himself due to their role as religious authorities and their curiosity about John's teachings. In the first century CE, Jewish society was divided between rival groups, including the Pharisees, who awaited the arrival of a messiah to fulfill the Biblical Covenant. They wanted to know if John claimed to be the messiah or had any other important message.
John the Baptist was a significant figure in Jewish history, and his teachings attracted attention and followers. The priests and Levites likely questioned John to evaluate his teachings and determine if he was a threat to their religious authority or if his message aligned with their beliefs. They were also concerned about his influence on the people and wanted to understand his intentions.
Ultimately, John the Baptist clarified that he was not the messiah but the voice in the wilderness preparing the way for the messiah to come. His answers satisfied the priests and Levites' curiosity, and they continued to observe his ministry until his eventual arrest and execution.