Theme

Identity of John the Baptist

John the Baptist holds a unique place in the New Testament: a pivotal figure between the Old and the New Testament, he is presented as the forerunner of the Messiah, the one who prepares the ways of the Lord. The Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John devote many passages to him, from the miraculous announcement of his birth to his ministry of baptism in the Jordan.

Who exactly is he? A prophet, a voice in the wilderness, the reincarnation of Elijah according to some? The Gospel accounts show that his contemporaries themselves wondered about his identity, and that Jesus himself took a position on this question. The ties between John and Jesus — cousins according to Luke — add a fascinating family and theological dimension.

This theme brings together several subjects addressed in these articles: the birth of John the Baptist, his ministry, his relationship with Jesus, and the Old Testament prophecies that announce him. An ideal entry point for grasping the continuity between the two Testaments.

Study 1 of 2 · Was John the Baptist the Elijah who was to come?

Study 1: Was John the Baptist the Elijah who was to come?
Study 2: Jesus recognised by John?

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Identity of John the Baptist

CTD009 Was John the Baptist the Elijah who was to come?
Jesus regards John the Baptist as the prophesied Elijah, indicating a symbolic mission, but John denies this identity literally, according to John 1:19-21. This distinction between mission and personal identity clarifies an apparent biblical contradiction.

Luke 1.17 (King James Version) :
And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

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Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate
CTD017 Jesus recognised by John?
The article explores whether John the Baptist recognised Jesus, comparing the accounts of Matthew and John, which appear contradictory but are in fact complementary.

John 1.31-33 (King James Version) :
And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

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Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate