77. to give knowledge of salvation--To sound the note of a needed and provided "salvation" was the noble office of John, above all that preceded him; as it is that of all subsequent ministers of Christ; but infinitely loftier was it to be the "Salvation" itself (Lu 1:69 and Lu 2:30).
      by the remission of . . . sins--This stamps at once the spiritual nature of the salvation here intended, and explains Lu 1:71, 74.

JFB.