John in the Bible

Meaning: the grace or mercy of the Lord

Exact Match

Now Boaz went up to the village gate and sat there. Then along came the guardian whom Boaz had mentioned to Ruth! Boaz said, "Come here and sit down, 'John Doe'!" So he came and sat down.

Verse ConceptsGatesSitting In The Gateway

This John it was of whom it was said through Isaiah, the prophet, The voice of one who cries aloud in the desert, "Prepare a way for the Lord, Make the paths straight for him."

Verse ConceptsDesertsJohn The BaptistWildernessMessiahStraight PathsIndividuals ShoutingMaking RoadsIn Order Of RankScriptures FulfilledNamed Prophets Of The LordPaths

But when John saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he told them, "You children of serpents! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?

Verse ConceptsHell, As An ExperienceJudaismSnakesAnger Of God, ConsequencesEvil GenerationsDenunciationsName CallingJewish SectsJudgement To ComeThings Like SnakesFleeing From GodBaptised By Johnpharisees

So Jesus replied to him, "Let it happen now, for it is right for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then John yielded to him.

Verse ConceptsNowGospel, Essence OfA Righteous People

Philip, Bartholomew [i.e., the same as Nathaniel. See John 1:45], Thomas [i.e., the same as Didymus. See John 11:16], Matthew, the tax collector [i.e., the same as Levi. See Mark 2:14], James, the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus [i.e., the same as Judas, son of James. See Luke 6:16],

Verse ConceptsTwin Brotherszealotstaxes

But whoever disowns me in front of people [i.e., denies that I am the Christ, or that he is a disciple. See John 18:15-17, 25-27], I will disown him in front of my Father in heaven.

Verse ConceptsWarnings Against ApostasyDenying ChristRejection Of God, Results OfOur Father In HeavenRelationship Of Father And SonWitness Before MendenialUnbelief Toward Christ

And if you are willing to accept it, John himself is [the fulfillment of] Elijah [as the messenger] who was to come [before the kingdom].

Verse ConceptsJohn The BaptistAcceptance, Of Jesus ChristWho Is John The Baptist?People WillingEthicsIdentity In ChristThe Second Coming

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the fame of Jesus, And said to his servants, This is John the Baptist:

Verse ConceptsTetrarchHearing About ChristRulers Of A Fourth

Now King Herod became very distressed [over such a gruesome request]; but because he had [promised with] oaths and [to look good in front of] his party guests, he ordered John's head to be given [to her].

Verse ConceptsGuestsSwearing OathsOther Sad PeopleThe King's OrdersBirthdays Celebrated

Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself; and when the people heard of this, they followed Him on foot from the cities.

Verse ConceptsFollowing Jesus ChristSeafaringCrowds Around JesusActing AloneBoats

And they replied, "But we have here [only] five loaves of [barley] bread [See John 6:9] and two [probably smoked] fish."

Verse ConceptsFishesLittle FoodFive ThingsTwo AnimalsFish

Then the mother of Zebedee's sons [i.e., James and John] came to Jesus with her sons and, bowing down in reverence before Him, made a request of Him.

Verse ConceptsKneelingBowing Before MessiahMothersMothers Love For Her ChildrenMothers And SonsMotherhood

But Jesus replied to her, "You [really] do not know what you are asking for. Are you able to drink the cup [i.e., of suffering] that I am about to drink?" They [i.e., James, John and their mother. See Mark 10:35ff] answered, "[Yes] we are able to."

Verse ConceptsCup Of SufferingBaptismBitterness

He then left them and went out of the city [of Jerusalem] to Bethany [Note: This was a small village near Bethphage] and stayed there [i.e., probably at the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. See John 11:1].

Verse ConceptsVisitingStaying Temporarily

So, they answered Jesus, "We do not know [where John got the authority for his immersion]." Jesus then replied to them, "[Then] neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things [i.e., miracles and teaching].

Verse ConceptsChrist Concealing Things

He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee [i.e., James and John] with Him, and [soon] began to be grieved and very distressed.

Verse ConceptsChrist Going With PeopleTwo SonsDepression

Just then, one of those who were with Jesus [i.e., Peter. See John 18:10], reached out with his sword and struck the head priest's servant [with it], shearing off his ear.

Verse ConceptsSevering Body Partscutting

But Peter followed Him from a distance [as they were going] to the courtyard of the head priest. He went inside [i.e., eventually. See John 18:15-16] and sat down with the [Jewish] officers to see how things would turn out [i.e., with Jesus' trial].

Verse ConceptsPeople Sitting DownEnd Of Actionsdistanceprepping

Among them were Mary from Magdala; Mary, the mother of James and Joseph [i.e., probably the wife of Clopas. See John 19:25]; and the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee [i.e., Salome. Mark 15:40].

Verse ConceptsFriendship, Examples OfMothers And Sons

And when they met Him [there], they [knelt down] to worship Him; but some [still] had doubts [i.e., about His resurrection. See John 20:25].

Verse ConceptsdoubtersDoubting The ResurrectionWorshipping ChristAll Authority Has Been Given To Jesus

the voice of one who cries in the desert, 'Make the way ready for the Lord, level the paths for him' ??4 John appeared baptizing in the desert and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;

Verse ConceptsWildernessStraight PathsIndividuals ShoutingMaking RoadsHighwaysPaths

And people from throughout all the regions of Judea and all of Jerusalem went out to John [in the desert]. And he immersed them in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins.

Verse ConceptsJohn's BaptismRevival, CorporateRivers And StreamsBaptised By JohnIn The JordanSin Confessedconfessing

In his preaching John said, "One who is more powerful than I am will follow my ministry. I am not [even] worthy to stoop down and loosen the straps of His sandals [i.e., to serve as His slave].

Verse ConceptsShoesSelf AbasementUndoing FasteningsBowing Before Messiah

Immediately coming up out of the water, he (John) saw the heavens torn open, and the Spirit like a dove descending on Him (Jesus);

Verse ConceptsdovesSymbolsHeaven, Glimpsed By HumansThe Holy Spirit Described As The DoveThe Witness Of The Holy SpiritThe Act Of OpeningOpening HeavenGod Going Down

And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.

Verse ConceptsNetsMendingBoatsRepairing

And Simon and those who were with him [i.e., probably Andrew, James and John. See verse 29] followed Him.

Verse ConceptsFinding

Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew [i.e., the same as Nathaniel. See John 1:45], Matthew [i.e., the same as Levi. See Mark 2:14], Thomas [i.e., the same as Didymus. See John 11:16], James, the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus [i.e., the same as Judas, the son of James. See Luke 6:16], Simon the Canaanean [i.e., the same as the Zealot. See Luke 6:15],

Verse ConceptsTwin Brotherszealots

They laughed at Him scornfully. But after having all the people wait outside He took the child's father and mother, along with those who came with Him [i.e., Peter, James and John] and went in to where the [dead] child lay.

Verse ConceptsLaughterEntering HousesChrist Driving Out PeopleChrist Going With PeopleMocking Christ

And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.

Verse ConceptsPower, God's SavingSuperstitionTetrarchWho He Might BeWhy It Happened

Then an ideal opportunity arose [i.e., for Herodias to do away with John] when Herod gave a dinner on his birthday for his influential friends, military commanders and the prominent officials of Galilee.

Verse ConceptsAmusementsCommanderBanquets, Events CelebratedBirthdaysBirthdays CelebratedDinnerRight Time For People

Then he brought John's head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother.

Verse ConceptsSkullsPots For Cooking And Eating

When his disciples heard about this, they came and took away John’s body and laid it in a tomb.

Verse ConceptsSepulchresDisciples Of John The BaptistCorpses Of Other People

And He said to them, "How many loaves [of bread] do you have? Go and see." And when had found out, they said, "Five [barley] loaves [See John 6:9] and two [probably smoked] fish."

Verse ConceptsFive ThingsTwo Animals

And when Peter, James and John [See verse 2] returned to [the rest of] the disciples, they saw a large crowd gathered around them, and the experts in the law of Moses disputing with them.

Verse ConceptsJudaismCrowds Around JesusChrist With His Disciples

And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.

Verse ConceptsSelfishness

So, they answered Jesus and said, "We do not know [where John got his authority to immerse]." Jesus replied to them, " [Then] neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things [i.e., miracles and teaching]."

Verse ConceptsChrist Concealing Things

But a certain disciple that was standing nearby [i.e., Peter. See John 18:10] drew his sword and struck the head priest's servant [i.e., Malchus. See John 18:10], shearing off his ear.

Verse ConceptsOpposition, To Sin And EvilUnwise ZealAnonymityThings StrippedSevering Body Parts

It was nine o'clock in the morning and they crucified Him. [Note: John 19:14 indicates that the crucifixion took place about noon. This can be harmonized if we take Mark's account to mean when the entire process began].

Verse ConceptsCrucifixion, Of ChristHourcrucifixion

And there were also some women watching all this from a distance. Among them were Mary from Magdala; Mary the mother of the younger James and [his brother] Joseph [i.e., probably the wife of Clopas. See John 19:25]; and Salome [i.e., the mother of James and John and wife of Zebedee. See Matt. 27:56].

Verse ConceptsSeeing At A Distancedistancehumor

Now when the Sabbath day was over [i.e., after sunset on Saturday evening], Mary from Magdala; Mary the mother of James [i.e., the "other Mary" of Matt. 28:1, who was probably Jesus' mother. See Matt. 27:56]; and Salome [i.e., the mother of James and John and wife of Zebedee. See Matt. 27:56], bought spices [i.e., consisting of aloes and other aromatic perfumes] in order to apply them to His body [i.e., as a means of embalming].

Verse ConceptsAnointing, Social CustomembalmingHerbs And SpicesOintmentPerfumeSabbath, In NtThe First Day Of The WeekSabbath Observed

For he will be great in the sight of the Lord and he will not drink any wine or intoxicating drinks [Note: This restriction suggests that John may have taken the special vow of consecration making him a "Nazarite"]. And he will be filled with the Holy Spirit from the time he is born.

Verse ConceptsAbstinenceBabies In The WombAlcoholequipping, spiritualdrinking, abstention fromSelf DenialSpirit Filled MenBeing Filled With The SpiritGreatness Of JohnFrom The WombDrinking No WineGreat IndividualsAlcoholic BeveragesSymbols of the Holy Spiritghostsgabrielbeeralcoholismhomecoming

So, Mary stayed with [her relative] Elizabeth for about three months [i.e., until about the time John was born. See 1:26-31], and then returned to her home.

Verse ConceptsTwo To Four MonthsIndividuals going home

Yes, you [my] child [i.e., John], will be called the prophet of the Highest [i.e., God], for you will go ahead of the Lord's presence to prepare His ways.

Verse ConceptsForerunnersDivine MessengerPeople Going BeforeIndividual Prophets

Thematic Bible



And the child grew and became strong in character, and lived in the Desert till the time came for him to appear publicly to Israel.


I John, your brother, and a sharer with you in the sorrows and Kingship and patient endurance of Jesus, found myself in the island of Patmos, on account of the Word of God and the truth told us by Jesus.


I John, your brother, and a sharer with you in the sorrows and Kingship and patient endurance of Jesus, found myself in the island of Patmos, on account of the Word of God and the truth told us by Jesus.


After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, and holding back the four winds of the earth so that no wind should blow over the earth or the sea or upon any tree. And I saw another angel coming from the east and carrying a seal belonging to the ever-living God. He called in a loud voice to the four angels whose work it was to injure the earth and the sea. "Injure neither land nor sea nor trees," he said, "until we have sealed the bondservants of our God upon their foreheads." read more.
When the sealing was finished, I heard how many were sealed out of the tribes of the descendants of Israel. They were 144,000. Of the tribe of Judah, 12,000 were sealed; Of the tribe of Reuben, 12,000; Of the tribe of Gad, 12,000; Of the tribe of Asher, 12,000; Of the tribe of Naphtali, 12,000; Of the tribe of Manasseh, 12,000; Of the tribe of Symeon, 12,000; Of the tribe of Levi, 12,000; Of the tribe of Issachar, 12,000; Of the tribe of Zebulun, 12,000; Of the tribe of Joseph, 12,000; Of the tribe of Benjamin, 12,000.


"John," he said, "administered a baptism of repentance, bidding the people believe on One who was to come after him; namely, on Jesus."

as it is written in the book of the prophet Isaiah, "The voice of one crying aloud! 'In the Desert prepare ye a road for the Lord: make His highway straight. Every ravine shall be filled up, and every mountain and hill levelled down, the crooked places shall be turned into straight roads, and the rugged ways into smooth; and then shall all mankind see God's salvation.'"

"Elijah was indeed to come," He replied, "and would reform everything.

As it is written in Isaiah the Prophet, "See, I am sending My messenger before Thee, Who will prepare Thy way"; "The voice of one crying aloud: 'In the Desert prepare a road for the Lord: Make His highways straight.'" So John the Baptizer came, and was in the Desert proclaiming a baptism of the penitent for forgiveness of sins. read more.
There went out to him people of all classes from Judaea, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem of all ranks, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, making open confession of their sins. As for John, his garment was of camel's hair, and he wore a loincloth of leather; and his food was locusts and wild honey. His announcement was, "There is One coming after me mightier than I--One whose sandal-strap I am unworthy to stoop down and unfasten. I have baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; no wine or fermented drink shall he ever drink; but he will be filled with the Holy Spirit from the very hour of his birth. Many of the descendants of Israel will he turn to the Lord their God; and he will be His forerunner in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn fathers' hearts to the children, and cause the rebellious to walk in the wisdom of the upright, to make a people perfectly ready for the lord."

And you moreover, O child, shall be called Prophet of the Most High; For you shall go on in front before the Lord to prepare the way for Him, To give to His People a knowledge of salvation In the forgiveness of their sins, Through the tender compassion of our God, Through which the daybreak from on high will come to us, read more.
Dawning on those who now dwell in the darkness and shadow of death--To direct our feet into the path of peace."

He came as a witness, in order that he might give testimony concerning the Light--so that all might believe through him. He was not the Light, but he existed that he might give testimony concerning the Light.

John gave testimony concerning Him and cried aloud, saying, "This is He of whom I said, 'He who is coming after me has been put before me,' for He was before me."

So they pressed the question. "Who are you?" they said--"that we may take an answer to those who sent us. What account do you give of yourself?" "I am the voice," he replied, "of one crying aloud, 'Make straight the Lord's way in the Desert,' fulfilling the words of the Prophet Isaiah." They were Pharisees who had been sent. read more.
Again they questioned him. "Why then do you baptize," they said, "if you are neither the Christ nor Elijah nor the Prophet?" "I baptize in water only," John answered, "but in your midst stands One whom you do not know-- He who is to come after me, and whose sandal-strap I am not worthy to unfasten." This conversation took place at Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

I did not yet know Him; but that He may be openly shown to Israel is the reason why I have come baptizing in water." John also gave testimony by stating: "I have seen the Spirit coming down like a dove out of Heaven; and it remained upon Him. I did not yet know Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, "'The One on whom you see the Spirit coming down, and remaining, He it is who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.' read more.
"This I have seen, and I have become a witness that He is the Son of God."

Show 2 more verses
There is Another who gives testimony concerning me, and I know that the testimony is true which He offers concerning me. "You sent to John, and he both was and still is a witness to the truth. But the testimony on my behalf which I accept is not from man; though I say all this in order that you may be saved. read more.
He was the lamp that burned and shone, and for a time you were willing to be gladdened by his light.

Before the coming of Jesus, John had proclaimed to all the people of Israel a baptism of repentance. But John, towards the end of his career, repeatedly asked the people, "'What do you suppose me to be? I am not the Christ. But there is One coming after me whose sandal I am not worthy to unfasten.'


His announcement was, "There is One coming after me mightier than I--One whose sandal-strap I am unworthy to stoop down and unfasten. I have baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

John gave testimony concerning Him and cried aloud, saying, "This is He of whom I said, 'He who is coming after me has been put before me,' for He was before me."

I indeed am baptizing you in water on a profession of repentance; but He who is coming after me is mightier than I: His sandals I am not worthy to carry for a moment; He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire. His winnowing-shovel is in His hand, and He will make a thorough clearance of His threshing-floor, gathering His wheat into the storehouse, but burning up the chaff in unquenchable fire."

he answered the question by saying to them all, "As for me, I am baptizing you with water, but One mightier than I is coming, whose very sandal-strap I am not worthy to unfasten: He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing-shovel is in His hand to clear out His threshing-floor, and to gather the wheat into His storehouse; but the chaff He will burn up in fire unquenchable."

"I baptize in water only," John answered, "but in your midst stands One whom you do not know-- He who is to come after me, and whose sandal-strap I am not worthy to unfasten." This conversation took place at Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. read more.
The next day John saw Jesus coming towards him and exclaimed, "Look, that is the Lamb of God who is to take away the sin of the world! This is He about whom I said, 'After me is to come One who has been put before me, because He was before me.' I did not yet know Him; but that He may be openly shown to Israel is the reason why I have come baptizing in water." John also gave testimony by stating: "I have seen the Spirit coming down like a dove out of Heaven; and it remained upon Him. I did not yet know Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, "'The One on whom you see the Spirit coming down, and remaining, He it is who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.' "This I have seen, and I have become a witness that He is the Son of God." Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples, when he saw Jesus passing by, and said, "Look! that is the Lamb of God!"

And John too was baptizing at Aenon, near Salim, because there were many pools of water there; and people came and received baptism. (For John was not yet in prison.) As the result, a discussion having arisen on the part of John's disciples with a Jew about purification, read more.
they came to John and reported to him, "Rabbi, he who was with you on the other side of the Jordan and to whom you bore testimony is now baptizing, and great numbers of people are resorting to him." "A man cannot obtain anything," replied John, "unless it has been granted to him from Heaven. You yourselves can bear witness to my having said, 'I am not the Christ,' but 'I am His appointed forerunner.' He who has the bride is the bridegroom; and the bridegroom's friend who stands by his side and listens to him, rejoices heartily on account of the bridegroom's happiness. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must grow greater, but I must grow less. He who comes from above is above all. He whose origin is from the earth is not only himself from the earth, his teaching also is from the earth. He who comes from Heaven is above all. What He has seen and heard, to that He bears witness; but His testimony no one receives. Any man who has received His testimony has solemnly declared that God is true. For He whom God has sent speaks God's words; for God does not give the Spirit with limitations." The Father loves the Son and has entrusted everything to His hands. He who believes in the Son has the Life of the Ages; he who disobeys the Son will not enter into Life, but God's anger remains upon him.

There is Another who gives testimony concerning me, and I know that the testimony is true which He offers concerning me. "You sent to John, and he both was and still is a witness to the truth.

Large numbers of people also came to Him. Their report was, "John did not work any miracle, but all that John said about this Teacher was true."

But John, towards the end of his career, repeatedly asked the people, "'What do you suppose me to be? I am not the Christ. But there is One coming after me whose sandal I am not worthy to unfasten.'


There went out to him people of all classes from Judaea, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem of all ranks, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, making open confession of their sins.

And while the people were in suspense and all were debating in their minds whether John might possibly be the Anointed One,

Then large numbers of people went out to him--people from Jerusalem and from all Judaea, and from the whole of the Jordan valley-- and were baptized by him in the Jordan, making full confession of their sins.

And he would have liked to put him to death, but was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a Prophet.

For John came to you observing all sorts of ritual, and you put no faith in him: the tax-gatherers and the notorious sinners did put faith in him, and you, though you saw this example set you, were not even afterwards sorry so as to believe him.

Or should we say, 'human?'" They were afraid of the people; for all agreed in holding John to have been really a Prophet.

Accordingly John used to say to the crowds who came out to be baptized by him, "O vipers' brood, who has warned you to flee from the coming wrath?

And if we say, 'human,' the people will all stone us; for they are thoroughly convinced that John was a Prophet."

Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples, when he saw Jesus passing by, and said, "Look! that is the Lamb of God!" The two disciples heard his exclamation, and they followed Jesus. read more.
Then Jesus turned round, and seeing them following He asked them, "What is your wish?" "Rabbi," they replied--'Rabbi' means 'Teacher' --"where are you staying?" "Come and you shall see," He said. So they went and saw where He was staying, and they remained and spent that day with Him. It was then about ten o'clock in the morning. Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard John's exclamation and followed Jesus.


Now when Jesus heard that John was thrown into prison, He withdrew into Galilee,

About that time Herod the Tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, and he said to his courtiers, "This is John the Baptist: he has come back to life--and that is why these miraculous Powers are working in him." For Herod had arrested John, and had put him in chains, and imprisoned him, for the sake of Herodias his brother Philip's wife, read more.
because John had persistently said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her." And he would have liked to put him to death, but was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a Prophet. But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before all the company, and so pleased Herod that with an oath he promised to give her whatever she asked. So she, instigated by her mother, said, "Give me here on a dish the head of John the Baptist." The king was deeply vexed, yet because of his repeated oath and of the guests at his table he ordered it to be given her, and he sent and beheaded John in the prison. The head was brought on a dish and given to the young girl, and she took it to her mother. Then John's disciples went and removed the body and buried it, and came and informed Jesus.

But when Herod heard of Him, he said, "The John, whom I beheaded, has come back to life." For Herod himself had sent and had had John arrested and had kept him in prison in chains, for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; because he had married her. For John had repeatedly told Herod, "You have no right to be living with your brother's wife." read more.
Therefore Herodias hated him and wished to take his life, but could not; for Herod stood in awe of John, knowing him to be an upright and holy man, and he protected him. After listening to him he was in great perplexity, and yet he found a pleasure in listening. At length Herodias found her opportunity. Herod on his birthday gave a banquet to the nobles of his court and to the tribunes and the principal people in Galilee, at which Herodias's own daughter came in and danced, and so charmed Herod and his guests that he said to her, "Ask me for anything you please, and I will give it to you." He even swore to her, "Whatever you ask me for I will give you, up to half my kingdom." She at once went out and said to her mother: "What shall I ask for?" "The head of John the Baptizer," she replied. The girl immediately came in, in haste, to the King and made her request. "My desire is," she said, "that you will give me, here and now, on a dish, the head of John the Baptist." Then the King, though intensely sorry, yet for the sake of his oaths, and of his guests, would not break faith with her. He at once sent a soldier of his guard with orders to bring John's head. So he went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head on a dish and gave it to the young girl, who gave it to her mother. When John's disciples heard of it, they came and took away his body and laid it in a tomb.

Yet I tell you that not only has Elijah come, but they have also done to him whatever they chose, as the Scriptures say about him."

With many exhortations besides these he declared the Good News to the people. But Herod the Tetrarch, being repeatedly rebuked by him about Herodias his brother's wife, and about all the wicked deeds that he had done, now added this to crown all the rest, that he threw John into prison.


Just at that time Jesus, coming from Galilee to the Jordan, presents Himself to John to be baptized by him. John protested. "It is I," he said, "who have need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" "Let it be so on this occasion," Jesus replied; "for so we ought to fulfil every religious duty." Then he consented; read more.
and Jesus was baptized, and immediately went up from the water. At that moment the heavens opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him,

John also gave testimony by stating: "I have seen the Spirit coming down like a dove out of Heaven; and it remained upon Him.

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan; and immediately on His coming up out of the water He saw an opening in the sky, and the Spirit like a dove coming down to Him; and a voice came from the sky, saying, "Thou art My Son dearly loved: in Thee is My delight."

Now when all the people had been baptized, and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the sky opened, and the Holy Spirit came down in bodily shape, like a dove, upon Him, and a voice came from Heaven, which said, "Thou art My Son, dearly loved: in Thee is My delight."


There is Another who gives testimony concerning me, and I know that the testimony is true which He offers concerning me. "You sent to John, and he both was and still is a witness to the truth. But the testimony on my behalf which I accept is not from man; though I say all this in order that you may be saved. read more.
He was the lamp that burned and shone, and for a time you were willing to be gladdened by his light.

For John came to you observing all sorts of ritual, and you put no faith in him: the tax-gatherers and the notorious sinners did put faith in him, and you, though you saw this example set you, were not even afterwards sorry so as to believe him.

Yet I tell you that not only has Elijah come, but they have also done to him whatever they chose, as the Scriptures say about him."

But I tell you that he has already come, and they did not recognize him, but dealt with him as they chose. And before long the Son of Man will be treated by them in a similar way." Then it dawned upon the disciples that it was John the Baptist about whom He had spoken to them.


King Herod heard of all this (for the name of Jesus had become widely known)

About that time Herod the Tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, and he said to his courtiers, "This is John the Baptist: he has come back to life--and that is why these miraculous Powers are working in him."

But when Herod heard of Him, he said, "The John, whom I beheaded, has come back to life."

"Some say John the Baptist," they replied; "others Elijah; others Jeremiah or one of the Prophets."

"John the Baptist," they replied; "but others say Elijah; and others that some one of the ancient Prophets has come back to life."


So John the Baptizer came, and was in the Desert proclaiming a baptism of the penitent for forgiveness of sins.

About this time John the Baptist made his appearance, preaching in the Desert of Judaea. "Repent," he said, "for the Kingdom of the Heavens is now close at hand." He it is who was spoken of through the Prophet Isaiah when he said, "The voice of one crying aloud, 'In the desert prepare ye a road for the Lord: make His highway straight.'"

during the High-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, a message from God came to John, the son of Zechariah, in the Desert. John went into all the district about the Jordan proclaiming a baptism of the penitent for the forgiveness of sins;

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, in order that he might give testimony concerning the Light--so that all might believe through him. He was not the Light, but he existed that he might give testimony concerning the Light.


"Go into the city," He replied, "to a certain man, and tell him, 'The Teacher says, My time is close at hand. It is at your house that I shall keep the Passover with my disciples.'" The disciples did as Jesus directed them, and got the Passover ready.

So He sent two of His disciples with instructions, saying, "Go into the city, and you will meet a man carrying a pitcher of water: follow him, and whatever house he enters, tell the master of the house, 'The Rabbi asks, Where is my room where I can eat the Passover with my disciples?' Then he will himself show you a large room upstairs, ready furnished: there make preparation for us." read more.
So the disciples went out and came to the city, and found everything just as He had told them; and they got the Passover ready.

Jesus sent Peter and John with instructions. "Go," He said, "and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it." "Where shall we prepare it?" they asked. "You will no sooner have entered the city," He replied, "than you will meet a man carrying a pitcher of water. Follow him into the house to which he goes, read more.
and say to the master of the house, "'The Rabbi asks you, Where is the room where I can eat the Passover with my disciples?' "And he will show you a large furnished room upstairs. There make your preparations." So they went and found all as He had told them; and they got the Passover ready.


Now when He rose and left the synagogue He went to Simon's house. Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from an acute attack of fever; and they consulted Him about her. Then standing over her He rebuked the fever, and it left her; and she at once rose and waited on them.

After this Jesus went to the house of Peter, whose mother-in-law he found ill in bed with fever. He touched her hand and the fever left her: and then she rose and waited upon Him.

Now Simon's mother-in-law was ill in bed with a fever, and without delay they informed Him about her. So He went to her, and taking her hand He raised her to her feet: the fever left her, and she began to wait upon them.




Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense; and Zechariah on seeing him was agitated and terrified. But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your petition has been heard: and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call his name John. read more.
Gladness and exultant joy shall be yours, and many will rejoice over his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; no wine or fermented drink shall he ever drink; but he will be filled with the Holy Spirit from the very hour of his birth. Many of the descendants of Israel will he turn to the Lord their God; and he will be His forerunner in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn fathers' hearts to the children, and cause the rebellious to walk in the wisdom of the upright, to make a people perfectly ready for the lord."


So John the Baptizer came, and was in the Desert proclaiming a baptism of the penitent for forgiveness of sins.

And the child grew and became strong in character, and lived in the Desert till the time came for him to appear publicly to Israel.

About this time John the Baptist made his appearance, preaching in the Desert of Judaea.

during the High-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, a message from God came to John, the son of Zechariah, in the Desert. John went into all the district about the Jordan proclaiming a baptism of the penitent for the forgiveness of sins;


And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zabdi. Then He began to be full of anguish and distress,

Then He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be full of terror and distress,

On going out, He proceeded as usual to the Mount of Olives, and His disciples followed Him.


"Rabbi," replied John, "we have seen a man making use of your name to expel demons; and we forbad him, because he does not come with us." "Do not forbid him," said Jesus, "for he who is not against you is on your side."

"Rabbi," said John to Him, "we saw a man making use of your name to expel demons, and we tried to hinder him, on the ground that he did not follow us."

When the disciples James and John saw this, they said, "Master, do you wish us to order fire to come down from Heaven and consume them?" But He turned and rebuked them. And they went to another village.


"For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.'

As for John, his garment was of camel's hair, and he wore a loincloth of leather; and his food was locusts and wild honey.

And the child grew and became strong in character, and lived in the Desert till the time came for him to appear publicly to Israel.


Six day later, Jesus took with Him Peter and the brothers James and John, and brought them up a high mountain to a solitary place.

Six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John, and brought them alone, apart from the rest, up a high mountain; and in their presence His appearance underwent a change.

It was about eight days after this that Jesus, taking with Him Peter, John, and James, went up the mountain to pray.


Then the mother of the sons of Zabdi came to Him with her sons, and knelt before Him to make a request of Him. "What is it you desire?" He asked. "Command," she replied, "that these my two sons may sit one at your right hand and one at your left in your Kingdom." "None of you know what you are asking for," said Jesus; "can you drink out of the cup from which I am about to drink?" "We can," they replied. read more.
"You shall drink out of my cup," He said, "but a seat at my right hand or at my left it is not for me to allot, but it belongs to those for whom it has been prepared by my Father." The other ten heard of this, and their indignation was aroused against the two brothers.

Then James and John, the sons of Zabdi, came up to Him and said, "Rabbi, we wish you would grant us whatever request we make of you." "What would you have me do for you?" He asked. "Allow us," they replied, "to sit one at your right hand and the other at your left hand, in your glory." read more.
"You know not," said He, "what you are asking. Are you able to drink out of the cup from which I am to drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am to be baptized?" "We are able," they replied. "Out of the cup," said Jesus, "from which I am to drink you shall drink, and with the baptism with which I am to be baptized you shall be baptized; but as to sitting at my right hand or at my left, that is not mine to give: it will be for those for whom it is reserved." The other ten, hearing of it, were at first highly indignant with James and John.


The Elder to the elect lady and her children. Truly I love you all, and not I alone, but also all who know the truth,

The Elder to his dear friend Gaius. Truly I love you.


"For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.'

For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; no wine or fermented drink shall he ever drink; but he will be filled with the Holy Spirit from the very hour of his birth.

For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, 'He has a demon!'


When the messengers had taken their leave, Jesus proceeded to say to the multitude concerning John, "What did you go out into the Desert to gaze at? A reed waving in the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man luxuriously dressed? Those who wear luxurious clothes are to be found in kings' palaces. But why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and far more than a prophet. read more.
This is he of whom it is written, "'See I am sending My messenger before Thy face, and he will make Thy road ready before Thee.' "I solemnly tell you that among all of woman born no greater has ever been raised up than John the Baptist; yet one who is of lower rank in the Kingdom of the Heavens is greater than he. But from the time of John the Baptist till now, the Kingdom of the Heavens has been suffering violent assault, and the violent have been seizing it by force. For all the Prophets and the Law taught until John. And (if you are willing to receive it) Listen, every one who has ears! "But to what shall I compare the present generation? It is like children sitting in the open places, who call to their playmates. "'We have played the flute to you,' they say, 'and you have not danced: we have sung dirges, and you have not beaten your breasts.' "For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they exclaim, 'See this man! --given to gluttony and tippling, and a friend of tax-gatherers and notorious sinners!' And yet Wisdom is vindicated by her actions."

When John's messengers were gone, He proceeded to say to the multitude concerning John, "What did you go out into the Desert to gaze at? A reed waving in the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man wearing luxurious clothes? People who are gorgeously dressed and live in luxury are found in palaces. But what did you go out to see? A Prophet? Aye, I tell you, and far more than a Prophet. read more.
John is the man about whom it is written, 'See, I am sending My messenger before thy face, and he shall make ready thy way before thee.' "I tell you that among all of women born there is not one greater than John. Yet one who is of lower rank in the Kingdom of God is greater than he. And all the people, including the tax-gatherers, when they listened to him upheld the righteousness of God, by being baptized with John's baptism. But the Pharisees and expounders of the Law have frustrated God's purpose as to their own lives, by refusing to be baptized. "To what then shall I compare the men of the present generation, and what do they resemble? They are like children sitting in the public square and calling out to one another, 'We have played the flute to you, and you have not danced: we have sung dirges, and you have not shown sorrow.' For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, 'He has a demon!'


Now John had heard in prison about the Christ's doings, and he sent some of his disciples to inquire: "Are you the Coming One, or is it a different person that we are to expect?" "Go and report to John what you see and hear," replied Jesus; read more.
"blind eyes receive sight, and cripples walk; lepers are cleansed, and deaf ears hear; the dead are raised to life, and the poor have the Good News proclaimed to them; and blessed is every one who does not stumble and fall because of my claims."

John's disciples brought him an account of all these things; so John called two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord. "Are you the Coming One?" he asked, "or is there another that we are to expect?" The men came to Jesus and said, "John the Baptist has sent us to you with this question: 'Are you the Coming One, or is there another that we are to expect?'" read more.
He immediately cured many of diseases, severe pain, and evil spirits, and to many who were blind He gave the gift of sight. Then He answered the messengers, "Go and report to John what you have seen and heard. Blind men receive sight, the lame walk, lepers are purified, deaf persons hear, the dead are raised to life, the poor have the Good News proclaimed to them. And blessed is every one who does not stumble and fall because of my claims."


There was at table one of His disciples--the one Jesus loved-- reclining with his head on Jesus's bosom. Making a sign therefore to him, Simon Peter said, "Tell us to whom he is referring." So he, having his head on Jesus's bosom, leaned back and asked, "Master, who is it?" read more.
"It is the one," answered Jesus, "for whom I shall dip this piece of bread and to whom I shall give it." Accordingly He dipped the piece of bread, and took it and gave it to Judas, the son of the Iscariot Simon.

Peter turned round and noticed the disciple whom Jesus loved following--the one who at the supper had leaned back on His breast and had asked, "Master, who is it that is betraying you?"


and so were Simon's partners James and John, the sons of Zabdi.)

After this, Jesus again showed Himself to the disciples. It was at the Lake of Tiberias. The circumstances were as follows. Simon Peter was with Thomas, called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zabdi, and two others of the Master's disciples. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." "We will go too," said they. So they set out and went on board their boat; but they caught nothing that night. read more.
When, however, day was now dawning, Jesus stood on the beach, though the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. He called to them. "Children," He said, "have you any food there?" "No," they answered. "Throw the net in on the right hand side," He said, "and you will find fish." So they threw the net in, and now they could scarcely drag it along for the quantity of fish. This made the disciple whom Jesus loved say to Peter, "It is the Master." Simon Peter therefore, when he heard the words, "It is the Master," drew on his fisherman's shirt--for he had not been wearing it--put on his girdle, and sprang into the water.


He was the lamp that burned and shone, and for a time you were willing to be gladdened by his light.

for Herod stood in awe of John, knowing him to be an upright and holy man, and he protected him. After listening to him he was in great perplexity, and yet he found a pleasure in listening.


And He allowed no one to accompany Him except Peter and the brothers James and John.

So He came to the house, but allowed no one to go in with Him but Peter and John and James and the girl's father and mother.


Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense; and Zechariah on seeing him was agitated and terrified. But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your petition has been heard: and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call his name John. read more.
Gladness and exultant joy shall be yours, and many will rejoice over his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; no wine or fermented drink shall he ever drink; but he will be filled with the Holy Spirit from the very hour of his birth. Many of the descendants of Israel will he turn to the Lord their God; and he will be His forerunner in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn fathers' hearts to the children, and cause the rebellious to walk in the wisdom of the upright, to make a people perfectly ready for the lord." "By what proof," asked Zechariah, "shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is far advanced in years." "I am Gabriel, who stand in the presence of God," answered the angel, "and I have been sent to talk with you and tell you this good news. And now you will be dumb and unable to speak until the day when this has taken place; because you did not believe my words--words which will be fulfilled at their appointed time."

Now when Elizabeth's full time was come, she gave birth to a son; and her neighbours and relatives heard how the Lord had had great compassion on her; and they rejoiced with her. And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and were going to call him Zechariah, after his father. read more.
His mother, however, said, "No, he is to be called John." "There is not one of your family," they said, "who has that name." They asked his father by signs what he wished him to be called. So he asked for a writing-tablet, and wrote, "His name is John." And they all wondered. Instantly his mouth and his tongue were set free, and he began to speak and bless God. And all who lived round about them were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judaea reports of all these things were spread abroad.


Meanwhile Simon Peter was following Jesus, and so also was another disciple. The latter was known to the High Priest, and went in with Jesus into the court of the High Priest's palace. But Peter remained standing outside the door, till the disciple who was acquainted with the High Priest came out and induced the portress to let Peter in.


So Jesus, seeing His mother, and seeing the disciple whom He loved standing near, said to His mother, "Behold, your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that time the disciple received her into his own home.


When the Apostles in Jerusalem heard that the Samaritans had accepted God's Message, they sent Peter and John to visit them. They, when they came down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit: for He had not as yet fallen upon any of them. They had only been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. read more.
Then the Apostles placed their hands upon them, and they received the Holy Spirit.


So she ran, as fast as she could, to find Simon Peter and the other disciple--the one who was dear to Jesus--and to tell them, "They have taken the Master out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have put Him." Peter and the other disciple started at once to go to the tomb, both of them running, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and reached it before he did. read more.
Stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths lying there on the ground, but he did not go in. Simon Peter, however, also came, following him, and entered the tomb. There on the ground he saw the cloths; and the towel, which had been placed over the face of Jesus, not lying with the cloths, but folded up and put by itself. Then the other disciple, who had been the first to come to the tomb, also went in and saw and was convinced.


So Jesus, seeing His mother, and seeing the disciple whom He loved standing near, said to His mother, "Behold, your son!"


One day Peter and John were going up to the Temple for the hour of prayer--the ninth hour--and, just then, some men were carrying there one who had been lame from birth, whom they were wont to place every day close to the Beautiful Gate (as it was called) Seeing Peter and John about to go into the Temple, he asked them for alms. read more.
Peter fixing his eyes on him, as John did also, said, "Look at us." So he looked and waited, expecting to receive something from them. "I have no silver or gold," Peter said, "but what I have, I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ, the Nazarene-- walk!" Then taking his hand Peter lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were strengthened. Leaping up, he stood upright and began to walk, and went into the Temple with them, walking, leaping, and praising God. All the people saw him walking and praising God; and recognizing him as the man who used to sit at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple asking for alms, they were filled with awe and amazement at what had happened to him. While he still clung to Peter and John, the people, awe-struck, ran up crowding round them in what was known as Solomon's Portico.


While they were saying this to the people, the Priests, the Commander of the Temple Guard, and the Sadducees came upon them, highly incensed at their teaching the people and proclaiming in the case of Jesus the Resurrection from among the dead. They arrested the two Apostles and lodged them in custody till the next day; for it was already evening. read more.
But many of those who had listened to their preaching believed; and the number of the adult men had now grown to be about 5,000. The next day a meeting was held in Jerusalem of their Rulers, Elders, and Scribes, with Annas the High Priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and the other members of the high-priestly family. So they made the Apostles stand in the centre, and demanded of them, "By what power or in what name have you done this?" Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he replied, "Rulers and Elders of the people, if we to-day are under examination concerning the benefit conferred on a man helplessly lame, as to how this man has been cured; be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that through the name of Jesus the Anointed, the Nazarene, whom *you* crucified, but whom *God* has raised from among the dead-- through that name this man stands here before you in perfect health. This Jesus is the Stone treated with contempt by you the builders, but it has been made the Cornerstone. And in no other is the great salvation to be found; for, in fact, there is no second name under Heaven that has been given among men through which we are to be saved." As they looked on Peter and John so fearlessly outspoken--and also discovered that they were illiterate persons, untrained in the schools--they were surprised; and now they recognized them as having been with Jesus. And seeing the man standing with them--the man who had been cured--they had no reply to make. So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin while they conferred among themselves. "What are we to do with these men?" they asked one another; for the fact that a remarkable miracle has been performed by them is well known to every one in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But to prevent the matter spreading any further among the people, let us stop them by threats from speaking in the future in this name to any one whatever." So they recalled the Apostles, and ordered them altogether to give up speaking or teaching in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, "Judge whether it is right in God's sight to listen to you instead of listening to God.


Large numbers of people also came to Him. Their report was, "John did not work any miracle, but all that John said about this Teacher was true."


And a voice said to me, "You must prophesy yet further concerning peoples, nations, languages, and many kings."


They entered the city, and they went up to the upper room which was now their fixed place for meeting. Their names were Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the brother of James.


Again they said to Him, "John's disciples fast often and pray, as do also those of the pharisees; but yours eat and drink."


At one place where He was praying, when He rose from His knees one of His disciples said to Him, "Master, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."



I John, your brother, and a sharer with you in the sorrows and Kingship and patient endurance of Jesus, found myself in the island of Patmos, on account of the Word of God and the truth told us by Jesus.


and when they perceived the mission which was graciously entrusted to me, they (that is to say, James, Peter, and John, who were considered to be the pillars of the Church)


with Annas the High Priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and the other members of the high-priestly family.


There was at table one of His disciples--the one Jesus loved-- reclining with his head on Jesus's bosom.


I John, your brother, and a sharer with you in the sorrows and Kingship and patient endurance of Jesus, found myself in the island of Patmos, on account of the Word of God and the truth told us by Jesus.


I John, your brother, and a sharer with you in the sorrows and Kingship and patient endurance of Jesus, found myself in the island of Patmos, on account of the Word of God and the truth told us by Jesus.


But the Pharisees and expounders of the Law have frustrated God's purpose as to their own lives, by refusing to be baptized.


The revelation given by Jesus Christ, which God granted Him, that He might make known to His servants certain events which must shortly come to pass: and He sent His angel and communicated it to His servant John.