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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Jehovah said to Moses: Tell the Israelites: 'A man or a woman may make a special vow to live as a Nazirite dedicated to Jehovah. read more. Nazirites must never drink wine, liquor, vinegar made from wine or liquor, or any kind of grape juice. They must never eat fresh grapes or raisins. As long as they are Nazirites they must never eat anything that comes from a grapevine, not even grape seeds or skins. As long as they are under the Nazirite vow no razor may touch their heads. During the entire time that they are dedicated to Jehovah as Nazirites, they will be holy. They must let their hair grow long. While they are dedicated to Jehovah as Nazirites, they must never go near a dead body. Even if their own father, mother, brother, or sister dies, they must not make themselves unclean by going near them. Nazarites show their vow to God with their long hair. As long as they are Nazirites, they will be holy to Jehovah. Someone might suddenly drop dead next to a Nazirite and make the Nazirite's hair unclean. Seven days later he must shave his head in order to be declared clean. The eighth day he must bring two mourning doves or two young pigeons to the priest at the entrance to the tent of meeting. The priest will sacrifice one as an offering for sin and the other one as a burnt offering. The priest will pay compensation for the wrongdoing and make peace with Jehovah for the person who touched the dead body. That same day the person must dedicate his head again. Once again he will dedicate himself to Jehovah as a Nazirite for the same length of time as before. He must bring a one-year-old male lamb as an offering for guilt. The first time period will not count. He has to start over from when he became unclean.
A voice of one calling: In the wilderness prepare the way for Jehovah. Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Behold, I send my messenger! He will prepare the way before me. Seek Jehovah! He will suddenly come to his Temple along with the messenger of the covenant. He is one you desire, behold, he comes, said Jehovah of Hosts.
John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near. read more. Isaiah spoke of John when he said: He is a voice shouting in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of Jehovah. Make his paths straight.' (Isaiah 40:3)
Isaiah spoke of John when he said: He is a voice shouting in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of Jehovah. Make his paths straight.' (Isaiah 40:3) John wore clothes made from camel's hair. He had a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. read more. People from Jerusalem, Judea, and the whole Jordan Valley went to him.
People from Jerusalem, Judea, and the whole Jordan Valley went to him. They confessed their sins and were baptized by John in the Jordan River. read more. He saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism. You offspring of vipers, he said, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance! Do not presume that Abraham is your father. I tell you that God can make descendants for Abraham from these stones! The ax is ready to cut down the trees at the roots. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I baptize you with water because of your repentance. He that comes after me is mightier than I. He will baptize you with Holy Spirit and fire. I am not even good enough to carry his sandals. His winnowing shovel is in his hand. He will clean his threshing floor and gather his wheat into a barn. He will then burn the husks in a fire that cannot be put out.
Jesus answered emphatically: This is the proper way to do everything that God requires. This is the way it must be!
Herod locked John in prison to please Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. For John had said to him: It is not lawful for you to have her. read more. Herod wanted to put him to death but he feared the people since they believed John was a prophet. It was Herod's birthday. The daughter of Herodias danced for him and pleased him. So he promised with an oath to give her anything she wanted. Prompted by her mother, she said: Give me John the Baptist's head on a platter. The king was grieved. He gave his oath and many were watching so he commanded that it be done. He gave the order to behead John in prison. His head was brought on a platter to the young lady. She in turn gave it to her mother. John the Baptist's disciples took the corpse and buried him, and then came and told Jesus.
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a priest named Zechariah. He was of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron. Her name was Elizabeth.
He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth.
Immediately his tongue loosed, his mouth opened and he spoke, blessing God.
The child grew and became spiritually strong. He lived in the deserts till the time came to show himself to Israel.
Produce fruit that is worthy of repentance. Do not say we have Abraham for our father. I tell you, that God is able to make these stones into children for Abraham.
John reproved Herod the tetrarch for all the evil things he had done for he took his brother Herodias' wife.
He was the lamp that burns and shines. You were willing to rejoice for a season 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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And I will put enmity (hostility) (hatred) between you and the woman, and between your offspring (seed) and hers. He will bruise (overwhelm) (crush) you in the head, and you will bruise (overwhelm) (crush) him in the heel. (Romans 16:20)
You may eat any kind of locust, cricket, katydid, or grasshopper.
Jehovah said to Moses: Tell the Israelites: 'A man or a woman may make a special vow to live as a Nazirite dedicated to Jehovah. read more. Nazirites must never drink wine, liquor, vinegar made from wine or liquor, or any kind of grape juice. They must never eat fresh grapes or raisins. As long as they are Nazirites they must never eat anything that comes from a grapevine, not even grape seeds or skins. As long as they are under the Nazirite vow no razor may touch their heads. During the entire time that they are dedicated to Jehovah as Nazirites, they will be holy. They must let their hair grow long. While they are dedicated to Jehovah as Nazirites, they must never go near a dead body. Even if their own father, mother, brother, or sister dies, they must not make themselves unclean by going near them. Nazarites show their vow to God with their long hair. As long as they are Nazirites, they will be holy to Jehovah. Someone might suddenly drop dead next to a Nazirite and make the Nazirite's hair unclean. Seven days later he must shave his head in order to be declared clean. The eighth day he must bring two mourning doves or two young pigeons to the priest at the entrance to the tent of meeting. The priest will sacrifice one as an offering for sin and the other one as a burnt offering. The priest will pay compensation for the wrongdoing and make peace with Jehovah for the person who touched the dead body. That same day the person must dedicate his head again. Once again he will dedicate himself to Jehovah as a Nazirite for the same length of time as before. He must bring a one-year-old male lamb as an offering for guilt. The first time period will not count. He has to start over from when he became unclean. These are the instructions for Nazirites to complete their vows: They must come to the entrance of the tent of meeting. They are to bring these offerings to Jehovah: a one-year-old male lamb as a burnt offering, a one-year-old female lamb as an offering for sin, and a ram as a fellowship offering. All of these animals must have no defects. They must also bring a basket of unleavened bread containing some rings of bread made with olive oil and wafers of unleavened bread brushed with olive oil, along with other grain offerings and wine offerings. The priest will bring these offerings to Jehovah. He will make the offering for sin and the burnt offering. He will sacrifice the ram as a fellowship offering to Jehovah. He will offer the basket of unleavened bread along with it, and make the grain offerings and wine offerings. The Nazirites will shave their heads at the entrance to the tent of meeting. Then they will take the hair as proof that they had made this vow, and put it on the fire under the fellowship offering. The priest will take one of the shoulders from a boiled ram, one ring of unleavened bread from the basket, and one wafer of unleavened bread and hand them to the Nazirites after they have shaved off their hair. The priest will present them as an offering to Jehovah. They are holy and belong to the priest, along with the ram's breast that is presented and the thigh that is given. After that, the Nazirites may drink wine.' These are the instructions for those who have vowed to bring their offerings to Jehovah as Nazirites. They must bring these offerings in addition to anything else they can afford. They must fulfill the requirements of these instructions for Nazirites and finish whatever they vowed to do.
You explored the land for forty days. So for forty years, one year for each day, you will suffer for your sins and know what it means for me to be against you.'
Then at the time of the offering, Elijah the prophet came near and said, Jehovah, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Israel, let it be seen this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things by your order. Give me an answer, O Jehovah. Give me an answer so that this people may see that you are God. That you have made their hearts come back again.
He was a hairy man wearing a cloak made of animal skins, tied with a leather belt, they answered. It is Elijah! The king exclaimed.
I would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.
The Spirit will be poured out upon us from on high. Then the wilderness will be turned into a fertile field, and the fertile field will be considered a forest.
Then the blind will be able to see, and the deaf will hear.
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah is upon me, because Jehovah has anointed me to announce good news to the lowly and meek. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners.
Are you looking for great things for yourself? Do not look for them. I am going to bring disaster on all people! Declares Jehovah, But wherever you go I will let you escape with your life.
Behold, I send my messenger! He will prepare the way before me. Seek Jehovah! He will suddenly come to his Temple along with the messenger of the covenant. He is one you desire, behold, he comes, said Jehovah of Hosts. Who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? He is like a refiner's fire and like laundry soap (the lye of laundrymen). read more. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver. He will purify the sons of Levi, and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will offer to Jehovah offerings in righteousness. The offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasant to Jehovah like it was in the old days, in ancient years. I will approach you people for judgment! I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, the adulterers and those acting fraudulently with the wages of the worker, the widow and the fatherless. I will be a speedy witness against those who swear falsely and take advantage of the stranger, and do not show me reverence, said Jehovah of Hosts.
Jehovah of Hosts proclaims: The day is coming when all arrogant and evil people will burn like stubble. On that day they will burn up and there will be nothing left of them, either root or bough. The sun of righteousness with it's healing will shine on you who respect my name and obey me. You will be free and paw the ground like fat calves. read more. When I act you will tread down the wicked. They will be like dust under your feet, Jehovah of Hosts said. You should remember the Law of Moses my servant. I commanded the statutes and ordinances (regulations and judgments) to him at Horeb for all Israel. Behold! I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible Day of Jehovah comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers and bring them together again before I come and strike the earth with destruction (a curse).
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.
People from Jerusalem, Judea, and the whole Jordan Valley went to him.
I baptize you with water because of your repentance. He that comes after me is mightier than I. He will baptize you with Holy Spirit and fire. I am not even good enough to carry his sandals. His winnowing shovel is in his hand. He will clean his threshing floor and gather his wheat into a barn. He will then burn the husks in a fire that cannot be put out.
While in prison, John heard news of what Christ was doing. He sent his disciples.
Jesus was aware of this and withdrew from the place. Many followed him and were healed by him. He warned them not to tell anyone where he was. read more. This fulfilled what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet. Look! My servant whom I have chosen. I am well pleased with him. I will put my Spirit upon him and he will declare judgment to the nations. He will not quarrel, nor cry aloud. None will hear his voice in the streets. He will break a bruised reed. He will quench smoking flax. This he will do until he sends forth judgment to victory. The nations will hope in his name!
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you kill the prophets and stone the messengers who are sent to you! How often I wanted to gather your children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings. But you were not willing! Behold, your house is left desolate. read more. I tell you, you will not see me until you say, 'Blessed is he that comes in the name of Jehovah.' (Psalm 118:26)
After John was locked in prison Jesus went to Galilee and preached the Good News of God to the people.
Your relative Elisabeth has also conceived a son even in her old age. This so-called barren woman is in her sixth month.
The child grew and became spiritually strong. He lived in the deserts till the time came to show himself to Israel.
This was in the time when Annas and Caiaphas were chief priests. The word of God was delivered to John the son of Zechariah. He was in the wilderness.
Many people were expecting the Messiah. They reasoned in their hearts concerning John: Perhaps he was the Messiah.
They said: The disciples of John fast often and make supplications. So do the disciples of the Pharisees. But yours eat and drink. Jesus replied: Could you make the sons of the bride-chamber fast while the bridegroom is with them? read more. The days will come and when the bridegroom will be taken away from them. Then they will fast. He told an illustration to them: No one takes a piece of cloth from a new garment and puts it on an old garment. Otherwise he will tear the new. Also the new will not match the old. No one puts new wine in old wine skins. The new wine will burst the old skins and spill the wine. But new wine must be put into fresh wine skins.
I say to you, of those who are born of women there is none greater than John. Yet he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
Jesus was praying. When he finished one of his disciples said to him: Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.
John gave his witness even as Jewish authorities sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem. They asked him: Who are you? He said: I am not the Christ. read more. They asked him: Are you Elijah? He said: I am not. Are you the prophet? He answered: No. They said to him: Who are you? We need to know so we can tell the ones who sent us. He said: I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness. Isaiah the prophet said: 'Make straight the way of Jehovah (YHWH).' (Isaiah 40:3)
This is he whom I said would come after me. He is greater than I am because he came before me. I did not know him. I came baptizing in water so that everyone in Israel will come to know him. read more. John said: I saw the spirit descending as a dove out of heaven upon him. I did not know he was the one. God sent me to baptize in water and said: 'You will see one upon whom the spirit descends. The same is he who baptizes in Holy Spirit.' I have seen, and have borne witness that this is the Son of God. The next day John was standing with two of his disciples.
John was also baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there. People came and were baptized. John had not yet been thrown into prison. read more. There was a controversy between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purification. They went to John and said: Rabbi, he who was with you beyond the Jordan, the one about whom you witnessed, he and the men with him baptize. John answered: A man can receive nothing unless it is given to him from heaven. You bear witness that I said I am not the Christ. I have been sent before him. He that has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom stands and listens to him. He rejoices greatly because he hears the bridegroom's voice. This fills me with joy. He must increase and I must decrease. He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks from an earthly viewpoint. He who comes from heaven is superior. He testifies about what he has seen and heard, but no man accepts his testimony. He who receives his testimony confirms by his seal that God is true. For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God. God does not give the spirit by measure. The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. He who puts active faith in the Son has everlasting life. He who disobeys* the Son will not see life for the wrath of God remains upon him. (*Greek: apeitheo: willfully disobey, not having faith)
The Lord was aware that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John. Actually Jesus did not baptize. His disciples baptized.
They answered: Our father is Abraham. Jesus replied: If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham.
Many came to him and they said: John indeed did not perform a single miracle. Yet everything John said about this man was true.
Paul asked: What kind of baptism did you get? They replied: It was the baptism John taught.
Do not get drunk with wine, for that is a public act of violence, but be filled 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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Tell the whole community of Israel: 'On the tenth day of this month each man must take a sheep for his family, one animal per household.
Now this is what you shall offer on the altar: two one year old lambs each day, continuously.
You may eat any kind of locust, cricket, katydid, or grasshopper.
Wash yourselves! Become clean! Get your evil deeds out of my sight. Stop doing evil.
A voice of one calling: In the wilderness prepare the way for Jehovah. Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
He was oppressed and afflicted and yet he did not open his mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. He was silent like sheep ready to be sheared. He did not open his mouth.
Then they will go out and look at the corpses of those who have rebelled (sinned) against me. The worms that eat them will not die. The fire that burns them will not go out and they will disgust all humanity.
I will sprinkle clean water on you and make you clean instead of unclean. Then I will cleanse you from all your idols.
I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all the nations! Like grain is sifted in a sieve, yet the least kernel will not fall on the earth.
A fountain for sin and for uncleanness will be opened for the house of David.
Behold! I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible Day of Jehovah comes.
John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near. Isaiah spoke of John when he said: He is a voice shouting in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of Jehovah. Make his paths straight.' (Isaiah 40:3) read more. John wore clothes made from camel's hair. He had a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey.
John wore clothes made from camel's hair. He had a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. People from Jerusalem, Judea, and the whole Jordan Valley went to him.
People from Jerusalem, Judea, and the whole Jordan Valley went to him. They confessed their sins and were baptized by John in the Jordan River.
They confessed their sins and were baptized by John in the Jordan River. He saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism. You offspring of vipers, he said, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? read more. Bear fruit worthy of repentance! Do not presume that Abraham is your father. I tell you that God can make descendants for Abraham from these stones!
Do not presume that Abraham is your father. I tell you that God can make descendants for Abraham from these stones! The ax is ready to cut down the trees at the roots. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. read more. I baptize you with water because of your repentance. He that comes after me is mightier than I. He will baptize you with Holy Spirit and fire. I am not even good enough to carry his sandals. His winnowing shovel is in his hand. He will clean his threshing floor and gather his wheat into a barn. He will then burn the husks in a fire that cannot be put out. Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John.
Jesus answered emphatically: This is the proper way to do everything that God requires. This is the way it must be!
They asked Jesus: Are you the Expected One or should we look for another?
If you are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, who is to come.
But if we say, 'From men,' we must fear the people, because they all recognize John to be a prophet.
The beginning of the good news about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The prophet Isaiah wrote: I am sending my messenger ahead of you to prepare your way. read more. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare the way of Jehovah (YHWH), make his paths straight. (Isaiah 40:3) John the Baptist was in the desert (wilderness) telling people to repent (turn away from sin) and be baptized for forgiveness of sins.
John the Baptist was in the desert (wilderness) telling people to repent (turn away from sin) and be baptized for forgiveness of sins. People from the province of Judea and the city of Jerusalem went out to hear John. They confessed their sins and he baptized them in the Jordan River. read more. John was clothed in camel's hair with a leather belt about his loins. He ate locusts and wild honey. He told the people: The man who comes after me is greater than I am. I am not worthy to stoop down and untie his shoes. I baptized (immersed) you with water, but he will baptize (Greek: baptizo: immerse, submerge) you with Holy Spirit.
I baptized (immersed) you with water, but he will baptize (Greek: baptizo: immerse, submerge) you with Holy Spirit. Soon Jesus came from Nazareth in the province of Galilee. John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River.
John the Baptist had become well known. King Herod heard that John had risen from the dead. Therefore he was doing these powerful works.
John said to Herod: It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.
But I say to you that Elijah has come. They have done to him what ever they wished just as it is written about him.
They feared the people. If we say from men the people would not like it because they all thought John was a true prophet.
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a priest named Zechariah. He was of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron. Her name was Elizabeth.
They had no child for Elizabeth was barren and they both were well advanced in years.
Have no fear Zechariah, said the angel, for God has heard your prayer. Your wife Elisabeth will have a son and his name will be John.
He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth.
He will go before God in the spirit and power of Elijah. He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and wrongdoers to the way of righteousness. This will make ready a people whose hearts have been directed to Jehovah (YHWH). (Malachi 3:1)
Your relative Elisabeth has also conceived a son even in her old age. This so-called barren woman is in her sixth month.
The child grew and became spiritually strong. He lived in the deserts till the time came to show himself to Israel.
It was the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar. Pontius Pilate was governor of Judaea. Herod served as tetrarch of Galilee. Herod's brother Philip was tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis. Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene. This was in the time when Annas and Caiaphas were chief priests. The word of God was delivered to John the son of Zechariah. He was in the wilderness.
This was in the time when Annas and Caiaphas were chief priests. The word of God was delivered to John the son of Zechariah. He was in the wilderness. John traveled in the region near the Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
John traveled in the region near the Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. This was according to the words of Isaiah the prophet: The voice of one crying in the wilderness. Make ready the way of Jehovah. Make his paths straight. read more. Every valley shall be filled. Every mountain and hill shall be brought low. The crooked shall become straight and the rough ways smooth. All flesh shall see the salvation of God. (Isaiah 40:3-6) He told the crowds that came to be baptized by him: You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Produce fruit that is worthy of repentance. Do not say we have Abraham for our father. I tell you, that God is able to make these stones into children for Abraham.
Produce fruit that is worthy of repentance. Do not say we have Abraham for our father. I tell you, that God is able to make these stones into children for Abraham.
Produce fruit that is worthy of repentance. Do not say we have Abraham for our father. I tell you, that God is able to make these stones into children for Abraham. The axe is now at the root of the trees. Every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown in to the fire.
The axe is now at the root of the trees. Every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown in to the fire. The people asked him: What must we do? read more. He answered: He who has two coats let him give to him who has none. He who has food let him do likewise. Tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him: Teacher, what must we do? He told them: Collect no more than that which is prescribed. Soldiers also asked him: What must we do? And he said: Do not take money from any one by force. Never falsely accuse any one wrongfully and be content with your wages. Many people were expecting the Messiah. They reasoned in their hearts concerning John: Perhaps he was the Messiah. John answered, saying to them: I baptize you with water. He is coming who is mightier than I. I am not worthy to untie his shoelaces. He will baptize you in Holy Spirit and in fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand ready to thoroughly cleanse his threshing-floor. He will gather the wheat into his barn. He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
His winnowing fork is in his hand ready to thoroughly cleanse his threshing-floor. He will gather the wheat into his barn. He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. He preached good news to the people by offering many encouraging words. read more. John reproved Herod the tetrarch for all the evil things he had done for he took his brother Herodias' wife. He added this also to them all. He locked up John in prison. When all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized. He prayed and heaven was opened.
If we say from men all the people will stone us. They are persuaded that John was a prophet.
He came to tell (witness) (testify) about the light and help people have faith.
John spoke about him and declared: He is the one I said would come after me. He is greater than I am because he lived before me. Out of the fullness of his undeserved kindness he gives us one blessing after another. read more. The law came through Moses. Loving-kindness and truth came through Jesus Christ. No man has ever seen God. The only begotten God-like one who is closest to the Father (in the bosom of the Father) tells us about him. (Psalm 8:5) John gave his witness even as Jewish authorities sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem. They asked him: Who are you? He said: I am not the Christ. They asked him: Are you Elijah? He said: I am not. Are you the prophet? He answered: No.
They asked him: Are you Elijah? He said: I am not. Are you the prophet? He answered: No. They said to him: Who are you? We need to know so we can tell the ones who sent us. read more. He said: I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness. Isaiah the prophet said: 'Make straight the way of Jehovah (YHWH).' (Isaiah 40:3)
He said: I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness. Isaiah the prophet said: 'Make straight the way of Jehovah (YHWH).' (Isaiah 40:3) They were sent from the Pharisees. read more. They said to him: Why do you baptize if you are not the Christ, not Elijah, and not the prophet?
They said to him: Why do you baptize if you are not the Christ, not Elijah, and not the prophet? John answered: I baptize in water. There is one in your midst whom you do not know. read more. I am not worthy to fasten his shoes. These things were done in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. The next day he saw Jesus coming to him. He boldly declared: Behold! The Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world!
The next day he saw Jesus coming to him. He boldly declared: Behold! The Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world!
The next day he saw Jesus coming to him. He boldly declared: Behold! The Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world! This is he whom I said would come after me. He is greater than I am because he came before me. read more. I did not know him. I came baptizing in water so that everyone in Israel will come to know him. John said: I saw the spirit descending as a dove out of heaven upon him. I did not know he was the one. God sent me to baptize in water and said: 'You will see one upon whom the spirit descends. The same is he who baptizes in Holy Spirit.' I have seen, and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.
He that has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom stands and listens to him. He rejoices greatly because he hears the bridegroom's voice. This fills me with joy.
He traveled beyond the Jordan into the place where John first baptized and stayed there.
This man had been instructed in God's way. Being fervent in spirit he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, knowing only the baptism of John.
Paul asked: What kind of baptism did you get? They replied: It was the baptism John taught.
For this reason it is by faith that it may be according to grace (divine influence) (loving-kindness). The promise may be sure to all descendants! This is not only to that which is of the law, but to that also which is by the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.
It is not because they are Abraham's that they are all children, but: What will be called 'your seed' will be through Isaac. (Genesis 21:12)
Brothers, we are children who belong to the promise, the same as Isaac was.
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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Jehovah your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your fellow Israelites. Listen to him!
I will raise up a prophet from among their countrymen like you. I will put my words in his mouth. He will speak to them all that I command him.
A voice of one calling: In the wilderness prepare the way for Jehovah. Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near. read more. Isaiah spoke of John when he said: He is a voice shouting in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of Jehovah. Make his paths straight.' (Isaiah 40:3) John wore clothes made from camel's hair. He had a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. People from Jerusalem, Judea, and the whole Jordan Valley went to him. They confessed their sins and were baptized by John in the Jordan River. He saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism. You offspring of vipers, he said, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
I tell you, there is none, born of women, greater then John the Baptist. Yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been man's goal, and men of violence have attempted to take it by force. read more. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. If you are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, who is to come.
John the Baptist had become well known. King Herod heard that John had risen from the dead. Therefore he was doing these powerful works. But others said: It is Elijah. And others said: It is a prophet, like one of the prophets. read more. Herod said: It is John whom I beheaded, raised from the dead. For Herod captured John and locked him in prison for the sake of Herodias his wife. She was his brother Philip's wife before he married her. John said to Herod: It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife. Herodias had a grudge against John and was determined to have him killed. But Herod feared John. He knew he was a righteous and holy man so he kept him safe. That is why he listened to John but was perplexed. It was Herod's birthday. He invited his lords, the military commanders, and the prominent men of Galilee to supper. When the daughter of Herodias danced for Herod and his guests, she pleased him so much he promised her anything she desired. He pledged to her, Whatever you ask of me, I will give it to you, up to half of my kingdom. She asked her mother, What should I ask? And the mother said: The head of John the Baptist. At once she went to the king and asked: Will you give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter. The king was very sorry. Even so he kept his promise to her. He did not turn her down. This also showed his dinner guests he was a man of his word. He immediately commanded his guard to behead John the Baptist and bring his head to him. He brought his head on a platter and gave it to the young lady. In turn she gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard this they took his corpse and laid it in a tomb.
But I say to you that Elijah has come. They have done to him what ever they wished just as it is written about him.
The child grew and became spiritually strong. He lived in the deserts till the time came to show himself to Israel.
John sent two of his disciples to the Lord. They asked, Should we look for another or are you the one? When the men found him they said: John the Baptist sent us. Are you the one who comes or should we look for another? read more. In that hour he cured many diseases, plagues and evil spirits. Sight was restored to the blind. He answered John's disciples: Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard. The blind receive their sight! The lame walk and lepers are cleansed. The deaf hear! The dead are raised up and the poor have good news preached to them. Blessed is he who is not offended by me.
John gave his witness even as Jewish authorities sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem. They asked him: Who are you? He said: I am not the Christ. read more. They asked him: Are you Elijah? He said: I am not. Are you the prophet? He answered: No.
They asked him: Are you Elijah? He said: I am not. Are you the prophet? He answered: No. They said to him: Who are you? We need to know so we can tell the ones who sent us. read more. He said: I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness. Isaiah the prophet said: 'Make straight the way of Jehovah (YHWH).' (Isaiah 40:3)
One of the two, who heard John speak and followed him, 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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You may eat any kind of locust, cricket, katydid, or grasshopper.
He was a hairy man wearing a cloak made of animal skins, tied with a leather belt, they answered. It is Elijah! The king exclaimed.
I would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.
People from Jerusalem, Judea, and the whole Jordan Valley went to him.
The disciples of John asked: Why do your disciples not fast? They frequently fasted, and so did the Pharisees.
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a priest named Zechariah. He was of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron. Her name was Elizabeth.
He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth.
John reproved Herod the tetrarch for all the evil things he had done for he took his brother Herodias' wife.
They said: The disciples of John fast often and make supplications. So do the disciples of the Pharisees. But yours eat and drink.
Jesus was praying. When he finished one of his disciples said to him: Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.
John was also baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there. People came and were baptized.
The Lord was aware that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John.
Paul asked: What kind of baptism did you get? They replied: It was the baptism John taught.
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 of one calling: In the wilderness prepare the way for Jehovah. Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Behold! I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible Day of Jehovah comes.
John wore clothes made from camel's hair. He had a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey.
If you are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, who is to come.
After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother up into a high mountain alone. While they watched, Jesus' appearance changed (transformed) (transfigured) in their presence. His face was as bright as the sun and his clothes became as white as the light.
Jesus went with them to Gethsemane. He said to his disciples: Sit here while I go over there and pray. He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee with him. He was sorrowful and very troubled.
He allowed only Peter, James, and John the brother of James to follow him.
Six days later Jesus took Peter, James and John up on a high mountain completely alone. He was transfigured in front of them.
He sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple. Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately:
They came to a place called Gethsemane. He said to his disciples: Sit here while I pray. He took Peter, James and John with him. He was very distressed and troubled.
After he had spoken to them the Lord Jesus, was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a priest named Zechariah. He was of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron. Her name was Elizabeth. They were both righteous before God. They blamelessly obeyed all the commandments and ordinances of God (Greek: kurios: God). read more. They had no child for Elizabeth was barren and they both were well advanced in years. He faithfully executed the priest's duties before God. The custom was to draw lots to see who served in the temple. It was his turn to enter into the temple of God and burn incense. The whole crowd of people prayed outside at the hour of incense. God's angel appeared to him when he was standing on the right side of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled. When he saw the angel he was filled with fear. Have no fear Zechariah, said the angel, for God has heard your prayer. Your wife Elisabeth will have a son and his name will be John. You will be filled with joy, and many will be happy at his birth. He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth.
The child grew and became spiritually strong. He lived in the deserts till the time came to show himself to Israel.
When he arrived at the house he allowed only the mother and father of the girl, Peter, John and James to enter with him.
About eight days after he said these things he took Peter, John and James, and went up into the mountain to pray.
While he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven.
Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved. He said to his mother, Woman, look, your son! Then he said to the disciple, Look, your mother! That hour forward the disciple took her to his home.
The soldier with the spear pierced his side and suddenly blood and water came out. He who saw testified and his testimony is true. He knows and he speaks truth that you also may believe.
They still did not know the Scripture that he must rise from the dead.
As they spoke to the people, the chief priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came to them.
Then the high priest rose up, and all those of the sect of the Sadducees who were with him were filled with zeal (indignation). They captured the apostles and put them in the common prison.
When the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. Peter and John prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit.
This man had been instructed in God's way. Being fervent in spirit he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, knowing only the baptism of John.
While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country to Ephesus, and found some disciples.
Whoever obeys his Word; the love of God is made perfect (complete) (mature) in him. By this we know that we are in union with him.
Beloved, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment you had from the beginning. This old commandment is the word that you heard.
He who says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in the darkness! He who loves his brother lives in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling (offence) in him. read more. But he who hates his brother is in the darkness, and walks in the darkness. He does not know where he goes because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If any one loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Observe the love the Father gave to us that we should be called the children of God. That is what we are! For this reason the world does not know us. This is because it did not know him.
This is the message you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another! We should not be like Cain who was of the evil one, and killed his brother. Why did he murder him? It was because his works were evil, and his brother's were righteous.
We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. He who does not love abides in death. Whoever hates his brother is a murderer! You know that no murderer has everlasting life remaining in him. read more. By this we know love, because he (Jesus) gave his life for us. We ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. Whoever has this world's goods and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his compassion from him, how does the love of God dwell in him? My Little children, let us not love in word, neither with the tongue; but in deed and truth.
This is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another. He gave us this commandment!
Beloved let us love one another, for love is from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God for God is love. read more. The love of God was made known through us. God sent his only-begotten Son into the world that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation (atonement) (sacrificial payment) for our sins.
No one has seen God at any time! If we love one another, God lives with us, and his love is perfected (accomplished) (matured) through us.
We know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love! He who continues with love lives with God and God lives with him. This is love made perfect through us, that we may have boldness in the Day of Judgment. Just as he is, we are, amid (exposed to) this world. read more. There is no fear in love. Perfect (mature) love throws out (expels) fear because fear involves restraint (punishment). He who fears is not made perfect (mature) (complete) through love. We love, because he first loved us. If a man says, I love God, yet he hates his brother, he is a liar! He who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. We have this commandment from him, that he who loves God should love his brother also.
Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. Whoever loves him that causes the birth also loves him that is born. This is how we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and do his commandments. read more. For this is the love of God, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.
I rejoice greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, even as we received commandment from the Father.
The children of your sister the chosen one greet you.
For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and witnessed about the truth that is in you and that you walk in truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the truth. read more. Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you do for the brothers and strangers. They testify about your love seen by the congregation. You do well to send them forward on their journey worthily of God. For the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the people of the nations. We ought to receive and welcome such ones, that we may be fellow-workers for the truth. I wrote something to the congregation. But Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, did not receive us.
Demetrius has the witness of all men, and of the truth itself. Yes, we also testify and you know our witness is true. I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write them to you with ink and pen. read more. I hope to see you shortly. We shall speak face to face. Peace to you! The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
I hope to see you shortly. We shall speak face to face. Peace to you! The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
I, John, your brother and companion in tribulation and kingdom and perseverance (patience) of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, because of the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.