The life of Jesus up to the age of 12 5 studies
The ministry of John the Baptist 9 studies
- 6The ministry of John the Baptist
- 7The baptism of Jesus the Messiah
- 8The delegation from Jerusalem
- 9The first disciples
- 10The encounter with Philip
The beginning of the ministry in Galilee 2 studies
From the second to the third Passover festival 5 studies
Contradictions 2 studies
The life of Jesus up to the age of 12
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PER002
Jesus the Messiah, the Word made flesh, and John the Baptist, the Forerunner
The article explores how the Gospel of John affirms that Jesus is the Word made flesh and is God, with John the Baptist as his Forerunner. John the apostle aims to demonstrate that Jesus, both the Messiah as king and a divine figure, fulfils Jewish messianic expectations.
John 3.25-29 (King James Version) :Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying.And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.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.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER003
Announcement of the birth of John the Baptist
This article describes the announcement of John the Baptist's birth, recounted exclusively in the Gospel of Luke, highlighting the attention to historical detail and John's prophetic significance as the forerunner of Jesus.
Luke 1.5-25 (King James Version) :There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course,According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.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 troubled, and fear fell upon him.But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth 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 drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.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.And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER007
The birth of John the Baptist
The article discusses the birth of John the Baptist, the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth. His birth, described as miraculous, is accompanied by prophecies and recalls ancient biblical accounts. John, whose name means "God is gracious", is announced by Gabriel and will become a forerunner of the Messiah.
Numbers 4.3 (King James Version) :From thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that enter into the host, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
Supplementary material
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ANN003
The birth and ministry of John the Baptist
This appendix studies the birth and ministry of John the Baptist through the Gospel of Luke. It introduces his parents, Zechariah and…
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ANN003
The birth and ministry of John the Baptist
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PER008
Zechariah's praise at the birth of his son John
The article explores Zechariah's praise at John's birth, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and looks ahead to John's role as the forerunner of Jesus, the Messiah. Taking place in Ein Karem, these events reveal the divine plan that Zechariah and Mary see unfolding.
Daniel 9.24-27 (King James Version) :Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER009
Mary's return to Nazareth
The article examines Mary's return to Nazareth after visiting Elizabeth. Familiar with the prophecies, Mary witnesses John's birth, confirming his future role in God's plan. She returns with her family after the Passover pilgrimage.
Micah 5.2 (King James Version) :But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
The ministry of John the Baptist
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PER029
The ministry of John the Baptist
The article examines John the Baptist's role in preparing for Jesus' coming. Appearing in Matthew, Mark and Luke, John baptises and preaches in the Judean wilderness. Regarded as Christ's forerunner, he never claimed to be the Messiah. His teachings prepared the people to welcome Jesus, the royal Messiah.
Malachi 3.1 (King James Version) :Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.Noteformer: or, ancientNoteoppress: or, defraudKing James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER030
The baptism of Jesus the Messiah
The article describes Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist, a significant event marking the beginning of Jesus’ messianic ministry. Taking place at Bethany beyond the Jordan, this baptism expresses the continuity between John’s and Jesus’ work, symbolising their spiritual mission. The Trinity is manifested during this act, highlighting its theological importance and its example for future generations.
Mark 1.9-11 (King James Version) :And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER032
The delegation from Jerusalem
The article explores John the Baptist's meeting with the Sanhedrin's representatives at Bethany, highlighting his renown and the authorities' messianic expectations. John is questioned about his messianic role despite performing no miracles, revealing the Pharisees' expectations of a royal and priestly messiah. The analysis reconciles differing Gospel accounts.
John 1.28 (King James Version) :These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER033
The first disciples
The article examines Jesus’ first meeting with his earliest disciples, reported only by John. Andrew and John recognise Jesus as the Messiah and decide to follow him. A significant moment is Jesus’ transformation of Simon Peter’s identity, marking their commitment. This account offers a unique perspective absent from the Synoptic Gospels.
John 19.14 (King James Version) :And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER034
The encounter with Philip
PER034 recounts Jesus’ meeting with Philip, reported only by John (Jn 1:43–46), at Bethany beyond the Jordan on 6 October 29. Philip, formerly a disciple of John the Baptist like Andrew, John and Simon Peter, becomes Jesus’ fourth disciple. The article explores these disciples’ natural transition to the Messiah, with John the Baptist understanding himself as a forerunner rather than a rival teacher.
John 1.43-46 (King James Version) :The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER038
The first Passover festival
Pericope PER038 analyses the first Passover festival in John’s Gospel (John 2:13), dated precisely to 7 April 30. The article makes three observations: the festival’s chronological value for dating Jesus’ ministry over three and a half years, John’s distinction of the ‘Passover of the Jews’, and Jesus’ observance of Jewish rites. John alone records this period before John the Baptist’s arrest.
John 6.4 (King James Version) :And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER042
The return to Aenon south of Galilee
This article explores Jesus’ return to Aenon after Passover, highlighting the complementary ministries of Jesus and John the Baptist. John, the only evangelist to document this phase, emphasises the relationship between their ministries. Through this episode, the article shows that their roles were harmonious rather than competitive, each playing an essential part in the divine plan.
John 3.22-24 (King James Version) :After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judæa; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.And John also was baptizing in Ænon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.For John was not yet cast into prison.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER043
Conflicts between the disciples
The article ‘PER043 - Conflicts between the disciples’ explores the rivalry between John the Baptist’s disciples and Jesus’ disciples. At this key period at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in Judea, some of John’s disciples begin following Jesus, causing tensions. John the Baptist emphasises his transitional role and Jesus’ messianic nature, with the events probably taking place at Aenon in Judea.
John 3.25-36 (King James Version) :Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying.And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.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.He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.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 unto him.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.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER044
John the Baptist’s arrest
The article explores John the Baptist’s arrest by Herod Antipas, illustrating a major transition from John’s ministry to that of Jesus as the sole acknowledged Messiah. The event, probably in AD 30, is a crucial turning point in the religious context of the time, highlighted by references to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Luke 3.18-20 (King James Version) :And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
The beginning of the ministry in Galilee
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PER045
From Judea to Galilee
Jesus leaves Judea for Galilee after John’s arrest, not out of fear but to begin his ministry fully. This marks a transition towards Galilee, where he receives a more favourable welcome.
Matthew 4.12 (King James Version) :Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER052
The beginning of the preaching in Galilee
Pericope PER052 marks the official beginning of Jesus’ preaching in Galilee after John the Baptist’s arrest. Matthew emphasises continuity between John’s message and Jesus’ message, both calling for repentance. This decisive turning point, placed in Capernaum around February–March 31, confirms the fulfilment of messianic prophecies and Jesus’ full entry into his public ministry.
Matthew 4.17 (King James Version) :From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
From the second to the third Passover festival
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PER075
The parables of the new cloth and the new wine
The parables of the new cloth and the new wine illustrate the radical break between Judaism and Christianity. Spoken by Jesus in reply to John the Baptist's disciples about fasting, they affirm that the old and the new cannot be mixed. The change required is a complete transformation rather than a reform, inviting each person to choose the Teacher they will follow.
Matthew 9.16-17 (King James Version) :No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER113
John the Baptist’s question
Imprisoned, John the Baptist sends his disciples to ask Jesus whether he is indeed the awaited Messiah. Jesus answers through his deeds—healings, resurrections and proclamation to the poor—drawing on Isaiah 35.5. The article analyses the divergence between the two ministries, Matthew’s editorial reasoning and the powerful Christological implication in the prophetic reference: Jesus is God coming to save his people (Isa 35.4).
Matthew 8.5-13 (King James Version) :And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER114
The praise of John the Baptist
Jesus pays tribute to John the Baptist in Capernaum (May–June AD31), according to Matthew 11.7-19 and Luke 7.24-35. Without seeking to recruit his disciples, he affirms John’s prophetic greatness, identifies him as the Elijah foretold by Malachi and signals the end of the old covenant. He contrasts the Kingdom of God with the kingdom built by the Pharisees according to their own rules.
Matthew 11.7-19 (King James Version) :And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER164
Recalling the arrest of John the Baptist
Pericope PER164 recalls the circumstances of John the Baptist's arrest, as recounted by Matthew (14.3-5) and Mark (6.17-20). John was imprisoned for publicly denouncing the unlawful marriage of Herod Antipas to Herodias, the former wife of his brother. Mark offers a nuanced portrait of Herod, ambivalent and fascinated by John, whereas Matthew stresses his fear of the crowd. It is Herodias who pushes for the prophet's death; he was held at Machaerus in March AD 32.
Matthew 14.3-5 (King James Version) :For Herod had laid hold on 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.And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER165
Reminder of the circumstances of the murder of John the Baptist
Pericope 165 analyzes the circumstances of the murder of John the Baptist according to Matthew (14.6-12) and Mark (6.21-29). In Galilee, in March AD 32, Herod Antipas yields to the manipulation of Herodias through Salome's dance and has the prophet beheaded. The article highlights the parallel between the martyrdom of John and that of Jesus, two messianic figures unjustly condemned and laid in a tomb.
Mark 6.14-29 (King James Version) :And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife: for he had married her.For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife.Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.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 the Baptist.And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath’s sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Contradictions
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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.
Luke 1.36 (King James Version) :And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
CTD018
John the Baptist’s doubts?
The article explores the alleged contradiction between the Gospels of John and Matthew concerning John the Baptist's recognition of Jesus as the Messiah. It concludes that this is not a contradiction but a development in understanding in the face of unfulfilled messianic expectations.
Matthew 11.2-3 (King James Version) :Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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ANN002
The Gospel of John
The Gospel according to John differs from the other three, known as the Synoptic Gospels, in its style and theological depth. Written by the apostle John, son of Zebedee,…
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ANN017
The Baptisms
The article examines the different baptisms in the New Testament, from John the Baptist to Jesus and Paul. It highlights how each baptism marks…
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ANN029
The conflict between John’s and Jesus’ followers
This article addresses the tensions between the disciples of John the Baptist and those of Jesus, two central biblical figures, highlighting their ministries…
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ANN044
The Nazirite vow
The Nazirite vow is a vow of consecration to God, derived from the Hebrew for 'to separate oneself', defined in Numbers 6. The Nazirite abstains from wine, from…
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ANN063
Aenon and Bethany beyond the Jordan
This article explores Bethany and Aenon, important baptismal sites in the Gospel accounts of John, while modern theories seek to locate these…
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ANN070
The temptation of Jesus the Messiah
This article explores Jesus' temptation, his 40-day fast, and the Gospel accounts of this period in Judea. The Synoptic Gospels…
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ANN103
Repentance
This study focuses on 'ANN103 - La repentance', examining the word 'repentance' in its Latin and Greek origins. It underscores the importance of…