Reference: John the Baptist
Easton
the "forerunner of our Lord." We have but fragmentary and imperfect accounts of him in the Gospels. He was of priestly descent. His father, Zacharias, was a priest of the course of Abia (1Ch 24:10), and his mother, Elisabeth, was of the daughters of Aaron (Lu 1:5). The mission of John was the subject of prophecy (Mt 3:3; Isa 40:3; Mal 3:1). His birth, which took place six months before that of Jesus, was foretold by an angel. Zacharias, deprived of the power of speech as a token of God's truth and a reproof of his own incredulity with reference to the birth of his son, had the power of speech restored to him on the occasion of his circumcision (Lu 1:64). After this no more is recorded of him for thirty years than what is mentioned in Lu 1:80. John was a Nazarite from his birth (Lu 1:15; Nu 6:1-12). He spent his early years in the mountainous tract of Judah lying between Jerusalem and the Dead Sea (Mt 3:1-12).
At length he came forth into public life, and great multitudes from "every quarter" were attracted to him. The sum of his preaching was the necessity of repentance. He denounced the Sadducees and Pharisees as a "generation of vipers," and warned them of the folly of trusting to external privileges (Lu 3:8). "As a preacher, John was eminently practical and discriminating. Self-love and covetousness were the prevalent sins of the people at large. On them, therefore, he enjoined charity and consideration for others. The publicans he cautioned against extortion, the soldiers against crime and plunder." His doctrine and manner of life roused the entire south of Palestine, and the people from all parts flocked to the place where he was, on the banks of the Jordan. There he baptized thousands unto repentance.
The fame of John reached the ears of Jesus in Nazareth (Mt 3:5), and he came from Galilee to Jordan to be baptized of John, on the special ground that it became him to "fulfil all righteousness" (Mt 3:15). John's special office ceased with the baptism of Jesus, who must now "increase" as the King come to his kingdom. He continued, however, for a while to bear testimony to the Messiahship of Jesus. He pointed him out to his disciples, saying, "Behold the Lamb of God." His public ministry was suddenly (after about six months probably) brought to a close by his being cast into prison by Herod, whom he had reproved for the sin of having taken to himself the wife of his brother Philip (Lu 3:19). He was shut up in the castle of Machaerus (q.v.), a fortress on the southern extremity of Peraea, 9 miles east of the Dead Sea, and here he was beheaded. His disciples, having consigned the headless body to the grave, went and told Jesus all that had occurred (Mt 14:3-12). John's death occurred apparently just before the third Passover of our Lord's ministry. Our Lord himself testified regarding him that he was a "burning and a shining light" (Joh 5:35).
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And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, "Speak unto children of Israel and say unto them, 'When either man or woman appointeth to vow a vow of abstinence, for to abstain unto the LORD, read more. he shall abstain from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine or of strong drink, nor drink whatsoever is pressed out of grapes: and shall eat no fresh grapes neither yet dried, as long as his abstinence endureth. Moreover he shall eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, no not so much as the kernels or the husk of the grape. And as long as the vow of his abstinence endureth, there shall no razor nor shears come upon his head, until his days be out which he fasteth unto the LORD, and he shall be holy and shall let the locks of his hair grow. As long as he abstaineth unto the LORD he shall come at no dead body: he shall not make himself unclean at the death of his father, mother, brother or sister: For the abstinence of his God is upon his head. And therefore as long as his abstinence lasteth, he shall be holy unto the LORD. "'And if it fortune that any man, by chance, die suddenly before him and defile the head of his abstinence, then must he shave his head the day of his cleansing: even the seventh day he shall shave it. And the eighth day he shall bring two turtles or two young pigeons to the priest, unto the door of the tabernacle of witness. And the priest shall offer the one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering and make an atonement for him, as concerning that he sinned upon the dead, and shall also hallow his head the same day and he shall abstain unto the LORD the time of his abstinency, and shall bring a lamb of an year old for a trespass offering: but the days that were before are lost, because his abstinence was defiled.
A voice crieth in the wilderness, "Prepare the way for the LORD, make straight the path for our God in the desert.
Behold, I send my messenger which shall prepare the way before me. And suddenly shall the Lord whom ye seek, come unto his temple, and the messenger of the covenant whom ye desire. Behold, he cometh saith the LORD Sabaoth.
In those days John the Baptist came, and preached in the wilderness of Jewry, saying, "Repent: the kingdom of heaven is at hand." read more. This is he of whom it is spoken by the Prophet Isaiah, which sayeth, "The voice of a crier in wilderness, 'Prepare the Lord's way and make his paths straight.'"
This is he of whom it is spoken by the Prophet Isaiah, which sayeth, "The voice of a crier in wilderness, 'Prepare the Lord's way and make his paths straight.'" This John had his garment of camel's hair, and a girdle of a skin about his loins; his meat was locusts and wild honey. read more. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Jewry, and all the regions round about Jordan,
Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Jewry, and all the regions round about Jordan, and were baptised of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. read more. When he saw many of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, "O generation of vipers, who hath taught you to flee from the vengeance to come? Bring forth therefore the fruits belonging to repentance: And see that you think not to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham for our father': for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. Even now is the axe put unto the root of the trees: so that every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. I baptise you in water in token of repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptise you with the holy ghost and with fire: Which hath also his fan in his hand, and will purge his floor, and gather the wheat into His garner; and will burn the chaff with unquenchable fire."
Jesus answered and said to him, "Let it be so now, for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he suffered him.
For Herod had taken John and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife. For John said unto him, "It is not lawful for thee to have her." read more. And when he would have put him to death, he feared the people, because they counted him as a prophet. But when Herod's birthday was come, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. Wherefore he promised with an oath, that he would give her whatsoever she would ask. And she, being informed of her mother before, said, "Give me here John Baptist's head in a platter." And the King sorrowed: nevertheless for his oath's sake, and for their sakes, which sat also at the table, he commanded it to be given her. And sent and beheaded John in the prison, and his head was brought in a platter, and given to the damsel, and she brought it to her mother. And his disciples came, and took up his body, and buried it: And went and told Jesus.
In the time of Herod, the king of Jewry, there was a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abijah. And his wife was of the daughters of Aaron: And her name was Elizabeth.
For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall neither drink wine nor strong drink. And he shall be filled with the holy ghost, even in his mother's womb:
And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue also, and he spake lauding God.
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in wilderness: till the day came, when he should show himself unto the Israelites.
Bring forth due fruits of repentance; And begin not to say in yourselves, we have Abraham to our father. For I say unto you: God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
Then Herod the Tetrarch; when he was rebuked of him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done;
He was a burning, and a shining light; and ye would for a season have rejoiced in his light.
Fausets
Son of Zacharias (of the course of Abijah, 1Ch 24:10) and Elisabeth (of the daughters of Aaron), who both "walked in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless." Elisabeth was related to the Virgin Mary; but Scripture does not state the exact relationship; the Greek in Lu 1:36 (sungenees), which our Bible renders "cousin," means any "relation" or "kinswoman," whether by marriage or birth. It is noteworthy that Jesus, of the Melchizedek order of priesthood, was related to but not descended from the Aaronic priests. Zacharias was old, and Elisabeth barren, when, as he was burning incense at the golden altar, Gabriel announced the answer to his prayers (not directly for a son, but, as Israel's representative, for Messiah the Hope of Israel) in the coming birth of a son, the appointed forerunner of Messiah; John (Jehovah's gift) was to he his name, because his supernatural birth was a pledge of the Lord's grace, long looked for, now visiting again His people to their joy (Luke 1).
John was to be "great in the sight of the Lord" (contrast Baruch, Jer 45:5). He should be in himself a pattern of that self denial which accords best with his subject of preaching, legal repentance, "drinking no strong drink, but filled with the Holy Spirit (see the same contrast, Eph 5:18, the minister's enthusiasm ought to be not from artificial stimulant but from the Spirit's unction) from the mother's womb," a Nazarite (Nu 6:1-21). Like the great prophet reformer (compare 1Ki 18:36-37) Elijah in "spirit. and power" of preaching, though not in miracles (Joh 10:41), he should turn the degenerate "children to the Lord and to" their righteous "fathers, and the heart of the fathers to the children," their past mutual alienation being due to the children's apostasy; fulfilling Mal 4:4-6; bringing "Moses' law" to their remembrance, "lest Jehovah at His coming should smite the earth with a curse." Thus John should "make ready a people for the Lord." Zacharias for unbelief in withholding credit without a sign was punished with dumbness as the sign until the event came to pass.
In the hill country, where Elisabeth had retired, her cousin Mary saluted her, and the babe leaped in Elisabeth's womb. His birth was six months before our Lord's. At his circumcision on the eighth day Zacharias gave his name John; and his returning faith was rewarded with returning speech, of which his first use was to pour forth a thanksgiving hymn, in which he makes it his son's chief honour that he should be "prophet of the Highest, going before the Lord's face to prepare His ways" as His harbinger. John had the special honour of being the subject off prophecy ages before, and of being associated in close juxtaposition with Messiah Himself. John "waxed strong in spirit and was in the deserts until the day of his showing unto Israel" (Lu 1:80). Meanwhile God's interposition in the wonders of his birth caused "all the people to be in expectation, musing in their hearts whether he were the Christ" (Lu 3:15). The thinly-populated region adjoining the hill country of Judea was his haunt; there communion alone with God prepared him for his work.
At 30, when "the word of God came to" him (Lu 3:2), he went forth, his very appearance a sign of the unworldliness and legal repentance. which he preached; his raiment a camel's hair garment secured with leather girdle (2Ki 1:8) as Elijah's; his food that supplied by the desert, locusts (Le 11:22) and wild honey (Ps 81:16). All classes, Pharisees, Sadducees, the people, publicans, and soldiers, flocked to him from every quarter, Jerusalem, Judea, and the, region round Jordan (Mt 3:5; Luke 3). The leading sects he denounced as a "generation of vipers" (compare Ge 3:15, the serpent's "seed"), warning them that descent from Abraham would not avail with out doing Abraham's works (compare Joh 8:39), and telling all practically and discriminatingly that the repentance needed required a renunciation of their several besetting sins; and that whereas, on their confession, he baptized with water baptism, the Mightier One would come baptizing with the Holy Spirit and fire (Mt 3:11-12). (See BAPTISM.)
When the ecclesiastical authorities sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask, Who art thou? John replied, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord" (Joh 1:19-23). The natural wilderness symbolized the moral (Isa 32:15), wherein was no highway for the Lord and for righteousness. The hills of pride and the valleys of degradation must be brought to the one holy level before the Lord (Isaiah 40). John was the forerunner of the reigning Messiah (Mt 3:2; Mal 3:1), but through the nation's rejection of Him that reign was deferred (compare Nu 14:34 with Mt 23:37-39). John baptized Jesus and though knowing Him before as a man and his kinsman, yet then first knew His divine Messiahship by the Spirit's visible descent (Joh 1:30-34). (See JESUS; BAPTISM.) John thence forth witnessed to Jesus, desiring to "decrease that He might increase." By his testimony at Bethany (so oldest manuscripts for Bethabara) beyond Jordan, "Behold the Lamb of God," he led two of his disciples to Him, Andrew and John the apostle and evangelist (Joh 1:35 ff; Joh 3:23-36; 4:1-2; Ac 19:3).
Yet John never formally joined Jesus; for he was one of the greatest among the Old Testament prophets, but not strictly in the New Testament kingdom, the least in which, as to spiritual privileges, was greater than he (Lu 7:28). His standing was the last of Old Testament prophets, preparatory to the gospel. He taught fasting and prayers, rather in the spirit and therefore with the forms of, the old dispensation which the new would supersede, its new spirit creating its appropriate new forms (Lu 5:33-38; 11:1). Herod Antipas beheaded him in the fortress Machaerus E. of the Dead Sea, to gratify Herodias' spite for John's faithfulness in denouncing her adultery, and in slavish adherence to his reckless oath to give Herodias' daughter Salome, for dancing on his birthday, whatever she might ask. (See HEROD ANTIPAS.)
From the prison John had sent two (the Sinaiticus and Vaticanus manuscripts read Mt 11:2 "by," dia, for duo, two) disciples to Jesus to elicit from Himself a profession of His Messiahship, for their confirmation in the faith. (See JESUS.) Jesus at once confirmed them and comforted John himself (who probably had expected to see Jesus more openly vindicating righteousness, as foretold Mal 3:2-5; 4:1-3), by an appeal to His miracles and preaching, the very credentials promised in Isa 35:5; 61:1. Jesus at the same time attested John's unshaken firmness, appealing to His hearers' own knowledge of him (Matthew 11). No reed shaken by the wind, no courtier in soft raiment, was John. But whether it was the ascetical forerunner, or the social Lord Himself, that preached, that generation was dissatisfied, with John because he was too self denying, with Jesus because He would not commend their self-righteous fastings: "we have piped unto you (unto John) and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you (unto Jesus) and ye have not lamented."
Of John as of Jesus they said, he hath a devil. John fell just before the third Passover of Christ's ministry; his disciples buried him Self denial, humility, wherewith he disclaimed Messiahship and said he was not worthy to unloose His shoes' latchet, zeal for the Lord's honour, and holy faithfulness at all costs, were his prominent graces. (On the "Elias who shall yet come," see ELIJAH, end.) John's ministry extended at its close into Peraea at the S.E. end of the lake of Galilee. When the herald was silenced the Master took up the message (Mr 1:14) in the same quarter. John's labours there so impressed Herod that, "he feared and observed him, and when he heard him did many things, and heard him gladly"; but would not do the one thing needed, give up his adulterous paramour, his brother Philip's wife.
Elijah was translated in a chariot of fire; but John died a felon's death, for the forerunner was to be as his Lord. The worthless Ahab reappears in Herod with similar germs of good struggling with evil. Herodias answers to the cruel Jezebel. As Ahab
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Moreover, I will put hatred between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed. And that seed shall tread thee on the head, and thou shalt tread it on the heel."
even these of them ye may eat: the arb and all his kind; the soleam with all his kind; the hargol and all the kind; and the hagab and all his kind.
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, "Speak unto children of Israel and say unto them, 'When either man or woman appointeth to vow a vow of abstinence, for to abstain unto the LORD, read more. he shall abstain from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine or of strong drink, nor drink whatsoever is pressed out of grapes: and shall eat no fresh grapes neither yet dried, as long as his abstinence endureth. Moreover he shall eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, no not so much as the kernels or the husk of the grape. And as long as the vow of his abstinence endureth, there shall no razor nor shears come upon his head, until his days be out which he fasteth unto the LORD, and he shall be holy and shall let the locks of his hair grow. As long as he abstaineth unto the LORD he shall come at no dead body: he shall not make himself unclean at the death of his father, mother, brother or sister: For the abstinence of his God is upon his head. And therefore as long as his abstinence lasteth, he shall be holy unto the LORD. "'And if it fortune that any man, by chance, die suddenly before him and defile the head of his abstinence, then must he shave his head the day of his cleansing: even the seventh day he shall shave it. And the eighth day he shall bring two turtles or two young pigeons to the priest, unto the door of the tabernacle of witness. And the priest shall offer the one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering and make an atonement for him, as concerning that he sinned upon the dead, and shall also hallow his head the same day and he shall abstain unto the LORD the time of his abstinency, and shall bring a lamb of an year old for a trespass offering: but the days that were before are lost, because his abstinence was defiled. "'This is the law of the abstainer, when the time of his abstinence is out; he shall be brought unto the door of the tabernacle of witness and he shall bring his offering unto the LORD: a he-lamb of a year old without blemish for a burnt offering and a she-lamb of a year old without blemish for a sin offering, a ram without blemish also for a peace offering, and a basket of sweet bread of fine flour mingled with oil and wafers of sweet bread anointed with oil with meat offerings and drink offerings that long thereto. And the priest shall bring him before the LORD and offer his sin offering and his burnt offering, and shall offer the ram for a peace offering unto the LORD with the basket of sweet bread, and the priest shall offer also his meat offering and his drink offering. And the abstainer shall shave his head in the door of the tabernacle of witness and shall take the hair of his sober head and put it in the fire which is under the peace offering. Then the priest shall take the sodden shoulder of the ram and one sweet cake out of the basket and one sweet wafer also and put them in the hand of the abstainer after he hath shaven his abstinence off, and the priest shall wave them unto the LORD, which offering shall be holy unto the priest with the wavebreast and heaveshoulder: and then the abstainer may drink wine. This is the law of the abstainer which hath vowed his offering unto the LORD for his abstinence, besides that his hand can get. And according to the vow which he vowed, even so he must do in the law of his abstinence.'"
after the number of the days in which ye searched out the land forty days, and every day a year: so that they shall bear your unrighteousness forty years, and ye shall feel my vengeance.
And when offering time was come, Elijah the prophet went to and said, "LORD God of Abraham, Isaac and of Israel, let it be known this day, that thou art the God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I do all these things at thy commandment. Hear me, O LORD; hear me, that this people may know, that thou LORD, art the God, and that thou hast turned their hearts backward."
And they said unto him, "It was a hairy man and girded with a girdle of a skin about his loins." And he said unto them, "It is Elijah the Tishbite."
He should have fed them also with the finest wheat-flour; and with honey out of the stony rock should I have satisfied thee."
Unto the time that the spirit be poured upon us from above. Then shall the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the plenteous field shall be reckoned for a wood.
Then shall the eyes of the blind be lightened, and the ears of the deaf opened.
The spirit of the LORD God is with me, for the LORD hath anointed me, and sent me to preach good tidings unto the poor: that I might bind up the wounded hearts, that I might preach deliverance to the captive, and open the prison to them that are bound;
And seekest thou yet promotion? Look not for it, and desire it not. For I will bring a miserable plague upon all flesh, sayeth the LORD. But thy life will I give thee for a prey, wheresoever thou goest."
Behold, I send my messenger which shall prepare the way before me. And suddenly shall the Lord whom ye seek, come unto his temple, and the messenger of the covenant whom ye desire. Behold, he cometh saith the LORD Sabaoth. Who shall endure in the day of his coming, or who shall stand to behold him? For he is as trying fire, and as the herb that fullers scour withal. read more. And he shall sit trying and purging silver, and shall purify the sons of Levi, and shall fine them as gold and silver. And they shall bring offering unto the LORD of righteousness. And the sacrifice of Judah and of Jerusalem shall be delicious unto the LORD as in the old time and in the years that were at the beginning. I will come and punish you, and I myself will be a swift witness against the witches, against the adulterers, against false swearers: yea, and against those that wrongfully keep back the hireling's duty, which vex the widows and the fatherless, and oppress the stranger, and fear not me, sayeth the LORD of Hosts.
For mark, the day cometh that shall burn as an oven: and all the proud, yea and all such as do wickedness, shall be straw: and the day that is for to come, shall burn them up, sayeth the LORD of Hosts, so that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name, shall the Son of righteousness arise, and health shall be under his wings: ye shall go forth, and multiply as the fat calves. read more. Ye shall tread down the ungodly: for they shall be like the ashes under the soles of your feet, in the day that I shall make, sayeth the LORD of Hosts. Remember the law of Moses my servant, which I committed unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and ordinances. Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet: before the coming of the day of the great and fearful LORD. He shall turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, that I come not and smite the earth with cursing."
saying, "Repent: the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Jewry, and all the regions round about Jordan,
I baptise you in water in token of repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptise you with the holy ghost and with fire: Which hath also his fan in his hand, and will purge his floor, and gather the wheat into His garner; and will burn the chaff with unquenchable fire."
When John, being in prison, heard the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said unto him,
When Jesus knew that, he departed thence. And much people followed him, and he healed them all; and charged them, that they should not make him known: read more. to fulfill that which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, which sayeth, "Behold my child, whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom my soul delighteth: I will put my spirit on him, and he shall show judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, he shall not cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and flax that beginneth to burn he shall not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. And in his name shall the Gentiles trust."
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest prophets, and stonest them which are sent to thee: how often would I have gathered thy children together, as the hen gathereth her chicks under her wings? But ye would not. Behold, Your habitation shall be left unto you desolate. read more. For I say unto you, ye shall not see me henceforth, till that ye say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord."
After that John was taken, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
And behold, thy cousin Elizabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age. And this is her sixth month, though she be called barren,
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in wilderness: till the day came, when he should show himself unto the Israelites.
When Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests: The word of God came unto John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness.
As the people were in a doubt, and all men disputed in their hearts of John: Whether he were very Christ;
Then they said unto him, "Why do the disciples of John fast often and pray: and the disciples of the Pharisees also: and thine eat and drink?" And he said unto them, "Can ye make the Children of the wedding fast, as long as the bridegroom is present with them? read more. The days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them: then shall they fast in those days." Then he spake unto them in a similitude, "No man putteth a piece of a new garment, into an old vesture: for if he do, then breaketh he the new: and the piece that was taken out of the new, agreeth not with the old. Also no man poureth new wine into old vessels: for if he do, the new wine breaketh the vessels, and runneth out itself, and the vessels perish: But new wine must be poured into new vessels, and both are preserved.
For I say unto you, A greater prophet than John, among women's children, is there none. Nevertheless, one that is less in the kingdom of God, is greater than he."
And it fortuned, as he was praying in a certain place: when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, "Master, teach us to pray; As John taught his disciples."
And this is the record of John: When the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem, to ask him, "What art thou?" And he confessed, and denied not, and said plainly, "I am not Christ." read more. And they asked him, "What then? Art thou Elijah?" And he said, "I am not." Art thou that prophet? And he answered, "No." Then said they unto him, "What art thou, that we may give an answer to them that sent us? What sayest thou of thy self?" He said, "I am the voice of a crier in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Isaiah."
This is he of whom I said, 'After me cometh a man, which went before me. For he was before me, and I knew him not: but that he should be declared to Israel, therefore am I come, baptising with water.'" read more. And John bare record, saying, "I saw the spirit descend from heaven, like unto a dove, and abide upon him, and I knew him not: But he that sent me to baptise in water, the same said unto me, 'Upon whom thou shalt see the spirit descend, and tarry still on him, the same is he which baptiseth with the holy ghost.' And I saw it, and bare record, that this is the son of God." The next day after, John stood again, and two of his disciples,
and John also baptised in Enon, besides Salim, because there was much water there, and they came, and were baptised. For John was not yet cast into prison. read more. And there arose a question between John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. And they came unto John, and said unto him, "Rabbi, behold he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold the same baptiseth, and all men come to him." John answered, and said, "A man can receive nothing at all except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves are witnesses, how that I said, 'I am not Christ: but am sent before him.' He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: But the friend of the bridegroom which standeth by and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this, my joy, is fulfilled. He must increase: and I must decrease. He that cometh from on high is above all: he that is of the earth is of the earth, and speaketh of the earth. He that cometh from heaven, is above all: And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth: but no man receiveth his testimony. Howbeit, he that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent, speaketh the words of God. For God giveth not the spirit by measure. The father loveth the son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the son, hath everlasting life. And he that believeth not the son, shall not see life: but the wrath of God abideth on him."
As soon as the Lord had knowledge, how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptised more disciples than John - though that Jesus himself baptised not, but his disciples -
They answered, and said unto him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said unto them, "If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the deeds of Abraham.
And many resorted unto him, and said, "John did no miracle: But all things that John spake of this man are true."
And he said unto them, "Wherewith were ye then baptised?" And they said, "With John's baptism."
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess: but be fulfilled with the spirit,
Hastings
The single narrative of John's birth and circumcision (Lu 1) states that, as the child of promise (Lu 1:13), he was born in 'a city of Judah' (Lu 1:39), when his parents were old (Lu 1:7). They were both of priestly descent (Lu 1:5), and his mother was a kinswoman of the mother of Jesus (Lu 1:36). John was a Nazirite from his birth (Lu 1:15); he developed self-reliance in his lonely home, and learnt the secret of spiritual strength as he communed with God in the solitudes of the desert (Lu 1:80). In the Jud
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Speak ye unto all the fellowship of Israel, saying that they take, the tenth day of this month, to every household: a sheep.
This is that which thou shalt offer upon the altar: two lambs of one year old day by day forever,
even these of them ye may eat: the arb and all his kind; the soleam with all his kind; the hargol and all the kind; and the hagab and all his kind.
Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying,
Thus saith the LORD God: Wash and be clean; put away the wickedness of your imaginations out of my sight. Cease to do evil and learn to do well.
A voice crieth in the wilderness, "Prepare the way for the LORD, make straight the path for our God in the desert.
He suffered wrong and was evil entreated, and yet opened not his mouth: he was as a sheep led to be slain: and as a lamb before his shearer, he was dumb and opened not his mouth.
And they shall go forth and look upon the carrions of them that have transgressed against me. For their worms shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched, and all flesh shall abhor them.
And I will pour pure water upon you, and ye shall be cleansed from all uncleanness, and from all your idols. I will cleanse you.
For lo, this I promise: though I sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as they use to sift in a sieve: yet shall not the smallest gravel stone fall upon the earth.
In that time shall the house of David and the citizens of Jerusalem have an open well, to wash of sin and uncleanness.
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet: before the coming of the day of the great and fearful LORD.
In those days John the Baptist came, and preached in the wilderness of Jewry, saying, "Repent: the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
saying, "Repent: the kingdom of heaven is at hand." This is he of whom it is spoken by the Prophet Isaiah, which sayeth, "The voice of a crier in wilderness, 'Prepare the Lord's way and make his paths straight.'" read more. This John had his garment of camel's hair, and a girdle of a skin about his loins; his meat was locusts and wild honey.
This John had his garment of camel's hair, and a girdle of a skin about his loins; his meat was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Jewry, and all the regions round about Jordan,
Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Jewry, and all the regions round about Jordan, and were baptised of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
and were baptised of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. When he saw many of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, "O generation of vipers, who hath taught you to flee from the vengeance to come? read more. Bring forth therefore the fruits belonging to repentance: And see that you think not to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham for our father': for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
And see that you think not to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham for our father': for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. Even now is the axe put unto the root of the trees: so that every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. read more. I baptise you in water in token of repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptise you with the holy ghost and with fire: Which hath also his fan in his hand, and will purge his floor, and gather the wheat into His garner; and will burn the chaff with unquenchable fire." Then came Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptised of him.
Jesus answered and said to him, "Let it be so now, for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he suffered him.
"Art thou he that shall come? or, shall we look for another?"
And also if ye will receive it, this is Elijah, which should come.
But and if we shall say of men; then fear we the people. For all men held John as a prophet."
The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ the son of God. As it is written in the prophets, "Behold, I send my messenger before thy face which shall prepare thy way before thee;" read more. "The voice of a crier in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." John did baptise in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance, for the remission of sins.
John did baptise in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance, for the remission of sins. And all the land of Jewry, and they of Jerusalem went out unto him, and were all baptised of him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. read more. John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a beast's skin about his loins. And he did eat locusts and wild honey, and preached, saying, "A stronger than I cometh after me, whose shoe latchet I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I have baptised you with water: but he shall baptise you with the holy ghost."
I have baptised you with water: but he shall baptise you with the holy ghost." And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth, a city of Galilee, and was baptised of John in Jordan.
And king Herod heard of him, for his name was spread abroad; And he said, "John Baptist is risen again from death, and therefore miracles are wrought by him."
John said unto Herod, "It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife."
Moreover, I say unto you, that Elijah is come, and they have done unto him whatsoever pleased them, as it is written of him."
But if we shall say, 'Of men,' then fear we the people. For all men counted John, that he was a very prophet."
In the time of Herod, the king of Jewry, there was a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abijah. And his wife was of the daughters of Aaron: And her name was Elizabeth.
And they had no child, because that Elizabeth was barren; And both were well stricken in age.
And the angel said unto him, "Fear not Zacharias, for thy prayer is heard: And thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John:
For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall neither drink wine nor strong drink. And he shall be filled with the holy ghost, even in his mother's womb:
And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the unbelievers to the wisdom of the just men: to make the people ready for the Lord."
And behold, thy cousin Elizabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age. And this is her sixth month, though she be called barren,
And Mary arose in those days, and went into the mountains with haste into a city of Jewry,
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in wilderness: till the day came, when he should show himself unto the Israelites.
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius the Emperor, Pontius Pilate being leftenant of Jewry, and Herod being Tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip Tetrarch in Ituraea, and in the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the Tetrarch of Abilene: When Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests: The word of God came unto John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness.
When Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests: The word of God came unto John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness. And he came into all the coasts about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins,
And he came into all the coasts about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, as it is written in the book of the sayings of Isaiah the prophet, which sayeth, "The voice of a crier in wilderness, prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. read more. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low: And crooked things shall be made straight: and the rough ways shall be made smooth. And all flesh shall see the saviour sent of God." Then said he to the people that were come to be baptised of him, "O generation of vipers: who hath taught you to fly away from the wrath to come? Bring forth due fruits of repentance; And begin not to say in yourselves, we have Abraham to our father. For I say unto you: God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
Bring forth due fruits of repentance; And begin not to say in yourselves, we have Abraham to our father. For I say unto you: God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
Bring forth due fruits of repentance; And begin not to say in yourselves, we have Abraham to our father. For I say unto you: God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. Now also is the axe laid unto the root of the trees: So that every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit shall be hewn down, and cast into the fire."
Now also is the axe laid unto the root of the trees: So that every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit shall be hewn down, and cast into the fire." And the people asked him, saying, "What shall we do then?" read more. He answered and said unto them, "He that hath two coats, let him part with him that hath none: And he that hath meat, let him do likewise." Then came there publicans to be baptised, and said unto him, "Master, what shall we do?" And he said unto them, "Require no more than that which is appointed unto you." The soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, "And what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Do violence to no man: neither trouble any man wrongfully: But be content with your wages." As the people were in a doubt, and all men disputed in their hearts of John: Whether he were very Christ; John answered and said to them all, "I baptise you with water, but a stronger than I cometh after me, whose shoe latchet I am not worthy to unloose: he will baptise you with the holy ghost, and with fire, which hath his fan in his hand, and will purge his floor, and will gather the corn into his barn: But the chaff will he burn with fire that never shall be quenched."
which hath his fan in his hand, and will purge his floor, and will gather the corn into his barn: But the chaff will he burn with fire that never shall be quenched." And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people. read more. Then Herod the Tetrarch; when he was rebuked of him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done; added this above all, and laid John in prison. And it fortuned, as all the people received baptism - And when Jesus was baptised and did pray - that heaven was opened,
But and if we shall say, 'Of men,' all the people will stone us. For they surely be persuaded that John is a prophet."
The same came as a witness, to bear witness of the light, that all men through him might believe.
John bare witness of him and cried, saying, "This was he of whom I spake, which though he came after me, went before me: for he was before me." And of his fullness have all we received, even grace for grace. read more. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time. The only begotten son, which is in the father's bosom, hath declared him. And this is the record of John: When the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem, to ask him, "What art thou?" And he confessed, and denied not, and said plainly, "I am not Christ." And they asked him, "What then? Art thou Elijah?" And he said, "I am not." Art thou that prophet? And he answered, "No."
And they asked him, "What then? Art thou Elijah?" And he said, "I am not." Art thou that prophet? And he answered, "No." Then said they unto him, "What art thou, that we may give an answer to them that sent us? What sayest thou of thy self?" read more. He said, "I am the voice of a crier in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Isaiah."
He said, "I am the voice of a crier in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Isaiah." And they which were sent, were of the Pharisees. read more. And they asked him, and said unto him, "Why baptisest thou then, if thou be not Christ, nor Elijah, neither a prophet?"
And they asked him, and said unto him, "Why baptisest thou then, if thou be not Christ, nor Elijah, neither a prophet?" John answered them, saying, "I baptise with water: but one is come among you, whom ye know not. read more. He it is that cometh after me, which was before me, whose shoe latchet I am not worthy to unloose." These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John did baptise. The next day, John saw Jesus coming unto him, and said, "Behold, the lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
The next day, John saw Jesus coming unto him, and said, "Behold, the lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
The next day, John saw Jesus coming unto him, and said, "Behold, the lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, 'After me cometh a man, which went before me. For he was before me, read more. and I knew him not: but that he should be declared to Israel, therefore am I come, baptising with water.'" And John bare record, saying, "I saw the spirit descend from heaven, like unto a dove, and abide upon him, and I knew him not: But he that sent me to baptise in water, the same said unto me, 'Upon whom thou shalt see the spirit descend, and tarry still on him, the same is he which baptiseth with the holy ghost.' And I saw it, and bare record, that this is the son of God."
He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: But the friend of the bridegroom which standeth by and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this, my joy, is fulfilled.
and went away again beyond Jordan, into the place where John before had baptised, and there abode.
The same was informed in the way of the Lord, and he spake fervently in the spirit, and taught diligently the things of the Lord, and knew but the baptism of John only.
And he said unto them, "Wherewith were ye then baptised?" And they said, "With John's baptism."
Therefore by faith is the inheritance given, that it might come of favour: and that the promise might be sure to all the seed. Not to them only which are of the law: but also to them which are of the faith of Abraham, which is the father of us all.
Neither are they all children straightway because they are the seed of Abraham: But in Isaac shall thy seed be called,
Brethren, we are, after the manner of Isaac, children of promise:
Morish
Son of Zacharias, priest of the order of Abia, or Abijah (1Ch 24:10), and of Elizabeth, a descendant of Aaron, born when they were both old. The conception was foretold by the angel Gabriel, who announced that John was to be a Nazarite, and should be filled with the Holy Ghost from his birth. His mission was also foretold: in the spirit and power of Elias he would be the forerunner of Christ, and would call the people to repentance, according to the prophecy in Isa 40:3. All that is recorded of his early life is "the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel." Lu 1:80.
When he began his ministry he is described as having on "raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins: and his meat was locusts and wild honey." He preached in the wilderness, calling on the people to repent, for the kingdom of heaven was at hand. The people went out to him, and were baptised of him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. Mt 3:1-6. A godly remnant morally apart from the nation was thus prepared in spirit for the Lord. With these (the excellent in the earth, Ps. 16) the Lord Jesus identified Himself.
To the Pharisees and the Sadducees he was especially severe, calling them a 'generation of vipers' (Mt 3:7), but in Luke the multitude are so designated, for all must flee from the wrath to come, and bring forth fruits meet for repentance. The axe was laid to the root of the tree. There was One coming with the winnowing fan, who would divide the wheat from the chaff.
When the religious authorities at Jerusalem sent to John to ask who he was, he declared that he was not the Christ, nor Elias, nor 'that prophet.' De 18:15,18. He was "the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord," as Isaiah had prophesied. Joh 1:19-23. The Lord, in speaking of John, said, "Elias is indeed come," Mr 9:13, which seems to clash with Joh 1:21; another passage however explains it: "If ye will receive it, this is Elias which was for to come." Mt 11:14. He had come in the spirit and power of Elias, as foretold by Gabriel; and he was Elias to those who received him and who afterwards followed the Lord, as Andrew and another in Joh 1:40.
So far we have considered John's official place as the forerunner of Christ, but in John's gospel the Baptist's testimony is given to the Lamb of God. He also adds, "I knew him not," but he had been told that He upon whom he saw the Holy Spirit descend and remain was the Baptiser with the Holy Ghost; and he adds, "I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God." He may have known Jesus in a natural way, but his knowing Him as Son of God was by a divinely-given testimony. John proclaimed Jesus as "the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world;" and in the hearing of two of his own disciples he said, "Behold the Lamb of God." Jesus was to be the object of their hearts, and they followed Him. Afterwards, when John was told that Jesus was baptising, and that all the people were going to Him, he gave a remarkable answer: "He that hath the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease." John was the friend of the bridegroom. The Lord said that among those born of women no one was greater than John; but the least in the kingdom of heaven was greater than he, because the latter was in a new dispensation, John being connected with the law and the prophets of the old dispensation. Mt 11:11-13.
While in prison John's faith or patience seems in measure to have failed him, and he sent two of his disciples to the Lord with the question, "Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?" He evidently had not apprehended the humiliation and rejection of the Messiah, and expected to have been delivered from prison by the power which he knew had been exercised in grace by the Lord. The Lord wrought various miracles while John's disciples were there, and bade them tell him what they had seen and heard, adding, "Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me." Lu 7:19-23.
It was because of John's faithfulness in reproving the sins of Herod Antipas that he had been by him cast into prison. This led to his death through Salome and her guilty mother. John's work was done; he was faithful unto death. Mr 6:14-29.
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The LORD thy God will stir up a Prophet among you: even of thy brethren, like unto me, and unto him ye shall hearken
I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren like unto thee and will put my words into his mouth and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.
A voice crieth in the wilderness, "Prepare the way for the LORD, make straight the path for our God in the desert.
In those days John the Baptist came, and preached in the wilderness of Jewry, saying, "Repent: the kingdom of heaven is at hand." read more. This is he of whom it is spoken by the Prophet Isaiah, which sayeth, "The voice of a crier in wilderness, 'Prepare the Lord's way and make his paths straight.'" This John had his garment of camel's hair, and a girdle of a skin about his loins; his meat was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Jewry, and all the regions round about Jordan, and were baptised of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. When he saw many of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, "O generation of vipers, who hath taught you to flee from the vengeance to come?
Verily I say unto you, Among the children of women arose there not a greater than John the Baptist: Notwithstanding, he that is least in the kingdom of heaven, is greater than he. From the time of John Baptist, hitherto, the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, read more. and they that go to it with violence pluck it unto them. For all the prophets and the law prophesied unto the time of John. And also if ye will receive it, this is Elijah, which should come.
And king Herod heard of him, for his name was spread abroad; And he said, "John Baptist is risen again from death, and therefore miracles are wrought by him." Others said, "It is Elijah." And some said, "It is a prophet, or as one of the prophets." read more. But when Herod heard of him, he said, "It is John whom I beheaded, he is risen from death again." For Herod himself had sent forth, and had taken John, and bound him and cast him into prison for Herodias' sake, which was his brother Philip's wife. For he had married her. John said unto Herod, "It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife." Herodias laid wait for him, and would have killed him, but she could not. For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man, and a holy, and gave him reverence; And when he heard him he did many things, and heard him gladly. But when a convenient day was come: Herod on his birthday made a supper to the Lords, captains, and chief estates of Galilee. And the daughter of the said Herodias came in and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat at board also. Then the king said unto the maiden, "Ask of me what thou wilt, and I will give it thee." And he sware unto her, "Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, even unto the one half of my kingdom." And she went forth and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?" And she said, "John Baptist's head." And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, "I will, that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John Baptist." And the king was sorry. Yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat at supper also, he would not put her beside her purpose. And immediately the king sent the hangman and commanded his head to be brought in. And he went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head in a charger and gave it to the maiden, and the maiden gave it to her mother. And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his body, and put it in a tomb.
Moreover, I say unto you, that Elijah is come, and they have done unto him whatsoever pleased them, as it is written of him."
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in wilderness: till the day came, when he should show himself unto the Israelites.
And John called unto him two of his disciples, and sent them to Jesus saying, "Art thou he that shall come: or shall we look for another?" When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist sent us unto thee saying, "Art thou he that shall come: or shall we wait for another?" read more. And at the same time, he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits: and unto many that were blind, he gave sight. And Jesus answered, and said unto them, "Go your ways and show John, what things ye have heard and seen: how that the blind see, the halt go, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead arise: To the poor is the glad tidings preached, and happy is he that is not offended by me."
And this is the record of John: When the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem, to ask him, "What art thou?" And he confessed, and denied not, and said plainly, "I am not Christ." read more. And they asked him, "What then? Art thou Elijah?" And he said, "I am not." Art thou that prophet? And he answered, "No."
And they asked him, "What then? Art thou Elijah?" And he said, "I am not." Art thou that prophet? And he answered, "No." Then said they unto him, "What art thou, that we may give an answer to them that sent us? What sayest thou of thy self?" read more. He said, "I am the voice of a crier in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Isaiah."
One of the two, which heard John speak, and followed Jesus, was Andrew; Simon Peter's brother.
Smith
was of the priestly race by both parents, for his father, Zacharias, was himself a priest of the course of Abia or Abijah,
and Elisabeth was of the daughters of Aaron.
Lu 1:5
His birth was foretold by an angel sent from God, and is related at length in Luke 1. The birth of John preceded by six months that of our Lord. John was ordained to be a Nazarite from his birth.
Lu 1:15
Dwelling by himself in the wild and thinly-peopled region westward of the Dead Sea, he prepared himself for the wonderful office to which he had been divinely called. His dress was that of the old prophets --a garment woven of camel's hair,
attached to the body by a leathern girdle. His food was such as the desert afforded --locusts,
and wild honey.
And now the long-secluded hermit came forth to the discharge of his office. His supernatural birth, his life, and the general expectation that some great one was about to appear, were sufficient to attract to him a great multitude from "every quarter."
Many of every class pressed forward to confess their sins and to be baptized. Jesus himself came from Galilee to Jordan to be baptized of John. [JESUS] From incidental notices we learn that John and his disciples continued to baptize some time after our Lord entered upon his ministry. See
See Jesus Christ
Joh 3:23; 4:1; Ac 19:3
We gather also that John instructed his disciples in certain moral and religious duties, as fasting,
Mt 9:14; Lu 5:33
and prayer.
Lu 11:1
But shortly after he had given his testimony to the Messiah, John's public ministry was brought to a close. In daring disregard of the divine laws, Herod Antipas had taken to himself Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip; and when John reproved him for this, as well as for other sins,
Lu 3:19
Herod cast him into prison. (March, A.D. 28.) The place of his confinement was the castle of Machaerus, a fortress on the eastern shore of the Dead Sea. It was here that reports reached him of the miracles which our Lord was working in Judea. Nothing but the death of the Baptist would satisfy the resentment of Herodias. A court festival was kept at Machaerus in honor of the king's birthday. After supper the daughter of Herodias came in and danced the king by her grace that he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she should ask. Salome, prompted by her abandoned mother, demanded the head of John the Baptist. Herod gave instructions to an officer of his guard, who went and executed John in the prison, and his head was brought to feast the eyes of the adulteress whose sins he had denounced. His death is supposed to have occurred just before the third passover, in the course of the Lord's ministry. (March, A.D. 29.)
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even these of them ye may eat: the arb and all his kind; the soleam with all his kind; the hargol and all the kind; and the hagab and all his kind.
And they said unto him, "It was a hairy man and girded with a girdle of a skin about his loins." And he said unto them, "It is Elijah the Tishbite."
He should have fed them also with the finest wheat-flour; and with honey out of the stony rock should I have satisfied thee."
Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Jewry, and all the regions round about Jordan,
Then came the disciples of John to him, saying, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?"
In the time of Herod, the king of Jewry, there was a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abijah. And his wife was of the daughters of Aaron: And her name was Elizabeth.
For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall neither drink wine nor strong drink. And he shall be filled with the holy ghost, even in his mother's womb:
Then Herod the Tetrarch; when he was rebuked of him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done;
Then they said unto him, "Why do the disciples of John fast often and pray: and the disciples of the Pharisees also: and thine eat and drink?"
And it fortuned, as he was praying in a certain place: when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, "Master, teach us to pray; As John taught his disciples."
and John also baptised in Enon, besides Salim, because there was much water there, and they came, and were baptised.
As soon as the Lord had knowledge, how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptised more disciples than John -
And he said unto them, "Wherewith were ye then baptised?" And they said, "With John's baptism."
Watsons
JOHN THE BAPTIST, the forerunner of the Messiah, was the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, and was born about six months before our Saviour. His birth was foretold by an angel, sent purposely to deliver this joyful message, when his mother Elizabeth was barren, and both his parents far advanced in years. The same divine messenger foretold that he should be great in the sight of the Lord: that he should be filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb; that he should prepare the way of the Lord by turning many of the Jews to the knowledge of God; and that he should be the greatest of all the prophets, Lu 1:5-15. Of the early part of the Baptist's life we have but little information. It is only observed that "he grew and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel," Lu 1:80. Though consecrated from the womb to the ministerial office, John did not enter upon it in the heat of youth, but after several years spent in solitude and a course of self-denial.
The prophetical descriptions of the Baptist in the Old Testament are various and striking. That by Isaiah is: "The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God," Isa 40:3. Malachi has the following prediction: "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he shall turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse," Mal 4:5. That this was meant of the Baptist, we have the testimony of our Lord himself, who declared, "For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias who was to come," Mt 11:14. The appearance and manners of the Baptist, when he first came out into the world, excited general attention. His clothing was of camel's hair, bound round him with a leathern girdle, and his food consisted of locusts and wild honey, Mt 3:4. The message which he declared was authoritative: "Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand;" and the impression produced by his faithful reproofs and admonitions was powerful and extensive, and in a great number of instances lasting. Most of the first followers of our Lord appear to have been awakened to seriousness and religious inquiry by John's ministry. His character was so eminent, that many of the Jews thought him to be the Messiah; but he plainly declared that he was not that honoured person. Nevertheless, he was at first unacquainted with the person of Jesus Christ; only the Holy Ghost had told him that he on whom he should see the Holy Spirit descend and rest was the Messiah. When Jesus Christ presented himself to receive baptism from him, this sign was vouchsafed; and from that time he bore his testimony to Jesus, as the Christ.
Herod Antipas, having married his brother Philip's wife while Philip was still living, occasioned great scandal. John the Baptist, with his usual liberty and vigour, reproved Herod to his face; and told him that it was not lawful for him to have his brother's wife, while his brother was yet alive. Herod, incensed at this freedom, ordered him into custody, in the castle of Machoerus; and he was ultimately put to death. (See Antipas.) Thus fell this honoured prophet, a martyr to ministerial faithfulness. Other prophets testified of Christ; he pointed to him as already come. Others saw him afar off; he beheld the advancing glories of his ministry eclipsing his own, and rejoiced to "decrease" while his Master "increased." His ministry stands as a type of the true character of evangelical repentance: it goes before Christ and prepares his way; it is humbling, but not despairing; for it points to "the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world." The Jews had such an opinion of this prophet's sanctity, that they ascribed the overthrow of Herod's army, which he had sent against his father-in- law, Aretas, to the just judgment of God for putting John the Baptist to death. The death of John the Baptist happened, as is believed, about the end of the thirty-first year of the vulgar era, or in the beginning of the thirty-second.
The baptism of John was much more perfect than that of the Jews, but less perfect than that of Jesus Christ. "It was," says St. Chrysostom, "as it were, a bridge, which, from the baptism of the Jews, made a way to that of our Saviour, and was more exalted than the first, but inferior to the second. That of St. John promised what that of Jesus Christ executed. Notwithstanding St. John did not enjoin his disciples to continue the baptism of repentance, which was of his institution, after his death, because, after the manifestation of the Messiah, and the establishment of the Holy Ghost, it became of no use; yet there were many of his followers who still administered it, and several years after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, did not so much as know that there was any other baptism than that of John. Of this number was Apollos, a learned and zealous man, who was of Alexandria, and came to Ephesus twenty years after the resurrection of our Saviour, Ac 18:25. And when St. Paul came after Apollos to the same city, there were still many Ephesians who had received no other baptism, and were not yet informed that the Holy Ghost was received by baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, Ac 19:1. The Jews are said by the Apostle Paul to have been "baptized unto Moses," at the time when they followed him through the Red Sea, as the servant of God sent to be their leader. Those who went out to John "were baptized unto John's baptism;" that is, into the expectation of the person whom John announced, and into repentance of those sins which John condemned. Christians are "baptized into the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost," because in this expression is implied that whole system of truth which the disciples of Christ believe; into the name of the Father, the one true and living God whom Christians profess to serve; of the Son, that divine person revealed in the New Testament whom the Father sent to be the Saviour of the world; of the Holy Ghost, the divine person also revealed there as the Comforter, the Sanctifier, and the Guide of Christians.
JOHN THE EVANGELIST was a native of Bethsaida, in Galilee, son of Zebedee and Salome, by profession a fisherman. Some have thought that he was a disciple of John the Baptist before he attended Jesus Christ. He was brother to James the greater. It is believed that St. John was the youngest of the Apostles. Tillemont is of opinion that he was twenty-five or twenty-six years of age when he began to follow Jesus. Our Saviour had a particular friendship for him; and he describes himself by the name of "that disciple whom Jesus loved." St. John was one of the four Apostles to whom our Lord delivered his predictions relative to the destruction of Jerusalem, and the approaching calamities of the Jewish nation, Mr 13:3. St. Peter, St. James, and St. John were chosen to accompany our Saviour on several occasions, when the other Apostles were not permitted to be present. When Christ restored the daughter of Jairus to life, Mr 5:37; Lu 8:51; when he was transfigured on the mount, Mt 17:1-2; Mr 9:2; Lu 9:28; and when he endured his agony in the garden, Mt 26:36-37; Mr 14:32-33; St. Peter, St. James, and St. John were his only attendants. That St. John was treated by Christ with greater familiarity than the other Apostles, is evident from St. Peter desiring him to ask Christ who should betray him, when he himself did not dare to propose the question, Joh 13:24. He seems to have been the only Apostle present at the crucifixion, and to him Jesus, just as he was expiring upon the cross, gave the strongest proof of his confidence and regard, by consigning to him the care of his mother, Joh 19:26-27. As St. John had been witness to the death of our Saviour, by seeing the blood and water issue from his side, which a soldier had pierced, Joh 19:34-35, so he was one of the first made acquainted with his resurrection. Without any hesitation, he believed this great event, though "as
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A voice crieth in the wilderness, "Prepare the way for the LORD, make straight the path for our God in the desert.
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet: before the coming of the day of the great and fearful LORD.
This John had his garment of camel's hair, and a girdle of a skin about his loins; his meat was locusts and wild honey.
And also if ye will receive it, this is Elijah, which should come.
And after six days Jesus took Peter and James and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain out of the way, and was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his clothes were as white as the light.
Then went Jesus with them into a place, which is called Gethsemane, and said unto the disciples, "Sit ye here while I go and pray yonder." And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to wax sorrowful and to be in agony.
And he suffered no man to follow him more than Peter, and James and John the brother of James.
And after six days, Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up into a high mountain out of the way alone, and he was transfigured before them.
And as he sat on mount Olivet over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him secretly,
And they came into a place named Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, "Sit ye here while I go apart and pray." And he took with him Peter, James, and John, and he began to wax abashed and to be in an agony.
So then when the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received into heaven, and is set down on the righthand of God.
In the time of Herod, the king of Jewry, there was a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abijah. And his wife was of the daughters of Aaron: And her name was Elizabeth. Both were perfect before God, and walked in all the laws and ordinances of the Lord, that no man could find fault with them. read more. And they had no child, because that Elizabeth was barren; And both were well stricken in age. And it came to pass, as he executed the priest's office before God as his course came, according to the custom of the priest's office his lot was to burn incense. And he went into the temple of the Lord, and the whole multitude of the people were without, in their prayers, while the incense was a burning. And there appeared unto him, an angel of the Lord, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was abashed, and fear came on him. And the angel said unto him, "Fear not Zacharias, for thy prayer is heard: And thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John: And thou shalt have joy and gladness: And many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall neither drink wine nor strong drink. And he shall be filled with the holy ghost, even in his mother's womb:
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in wilderness: till the day came, when he should show himself unto the Israelites.
And when he came to the house, he suffered no man to go in with him, save Peter, James and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.
And it followed about an eight days after those sayings, that he took Peter, James, and John, and went up into a mountain to pray.
And it came to pass, as he blessed them, he departed from them, and was carried up into heaven.
To him beckoned Simon Peter that he should ask who it was of whom he spake.
When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple standing whom he loved, he said unto his mother, "Woman behold thy son." Then said he to the disciple, "Behold thy mother." And from that hour the disciple took her for his own.
but one of the soldiers with a spear, thrust him into the side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true. And he knoweth that he saith true that ye might believe also.
For as yet they knew not the scriptures, that he should rise again from death.
As they spake unto the people, the priests and the ruler of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them,
Then the chief priest rose up, and all they that were with him: which is the sect of the Sadducees: and were full of indignation, and laid hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.
When the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard say that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: which, when they were come, prayed for them, that they might receive the holy ghost.
The same was informed in the way of the Lord, and he spake fervently in the spirit, and taught diligently the things of the Lord, and knew but the baptism of John only.
It fortuned, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul passed through the upper coasts, and came to Ephesus, and found certain disciples
He that keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfect, indeed. And hereby know we that we are in him.
Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you: but an old commandment which ye had at the beginning. For an old commandment is the word which ye heard from the beginning.
He that saith how that he is in the light, and yet hateth his brother, is in darkness even until this time. He that loveth his brother, abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of offending in him. read more. And he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness; and knoweth not whither he goeth, for darkness hath blinded his eyes.
See that ye love not the world, nor the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the father is not in him.
Behold what love the father hath showed on us, that we should be called the sons of God. For this cause the world knoweth you not; because it knoweth not him.
For this is the tidings, that ye heard at the beginning, that we should love one another: and not be as Cain, which was of the devil and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? For his own deeds were evil, and his brother's righteous.
We know that we are translated from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother, abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother, is a man slayer. And ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. read more. Hereby are we assured of love: because he left his life for us: And therefore we ought also to give our lives for our brethren. He, then, that hath the substance of the world, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his compassion from him: how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, nor with the tongue: but with the deed, and of a truth:
And this is his commandment, that we believe on the name of his son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave commandment.
Dearly beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God. And all that love are born of God, and knoweth God. And he that loveth not, knoweth not God: for God is love. read more. Herein appeared the love of God to us ward, because that God sent his only begotten son into the world, that we should live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his son to make a satisfaction for our sins.
No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfect in us.
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love, and he that abideth in love abideth in God, and God in him. Herein is the love perfect with us, that we should have confidence in the day of judgment; For as he is, even so are we in this world. read more. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out all fear, for fear hath painfulness. He therefore that feareth is not perfect in love. We love him, because he loved us first. If a man say, "I love God," and yet hate his brother, he is a liar. For how can he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we of him: that he which loveth God, should love his brother also.
All that believe that Jesus is Christ, are born of God. And all that loveth him which begat, loveth him also which was begotten of him. In this we know that we love the sons of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. read more. This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments, and his commandments are not grievous.
I rejoiced greatly, that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment of the father.
The sons of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen. {Here ends the Second General Epistle of John}
I rejoiced greatly when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, how thou in truth walkest. I have no greater joy than for to hear how that my sons walk in verity. read more. Dearly beloved, thou dost faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers, which bare witness of thy love before all the congregation. Which brethren, when thou bringest forwards on their journey - as it beseemeth God - thou shalt do well: because that for his name's sake they went forth, and took nothing of the gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we also might be helpers to the truth. I wrote unto the congregation: but Diotrephes which loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not,
Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth. Yea and we ourselves also bear record, and ye know that our record is true. I have many things to write: But I will not with pen and ink write unto thee. read more. For I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak mouth to mouth. Peace be with thee. The lovers salute thee. Greet the lovers by name. {Here ends the Third General Epistle of John}
For I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak mouth to mouth. Peace be with thee. The lovers salute thee. Greet the lovers by name. {Here ends the Third General Epistle of John}
John, your brother and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience which is in Jesus Christ, was in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, and for the witnessing of Jesus Christ.