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Forerunner of the Messiah

John the Baptist

1st century AD · c. 5 BC – AD 28

Life

Son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, cousin of Jesus. Preached repentance in the wilderness and baptized Jesus. Beheaded by Herod Antipas.

Voice in the wilderness; baptized Jesus; beheaded by Herod.

Key Facts

  • Filled with the Spirit from the womb
  • 'Voice of one crying'
  • Baptized Jesus
  • 'Behold the Lamb of God'
  • Beheaded for Herodias

Why this matters

Last of the OT-style prophets; bridge to the Messianic age.

Contemporaries

Mary, mother of Jesus

Mother of the Messiah

c. 18 BC – AD 48

Joseph of Nazareth

Earthly father of Jesus

c. 25 BC – AD 20

Jesus of Nazareth

Messiah, Son of God

c. 4 BC – AD 33

Peter

Apostle

c. AD 1–64

John the Apostle

Apostle, beloved disciple

c. AD 6–100

Paul (Saul of Tarsus)

Apostle to the Gentiles

c. AD 5–67

Barnabas

Son of Encouragement

Apostolic

Timothy

Paul's young companion, pastor of Ephesus

Apostolic

Luke

Physician, historian

Apostolic