Affirming Evidence from Archaeology
John’s Life and Ministry
John the Baptist, God’s first prophet to Israel after the close of the Old Testament by some 400 years, had a unique ministry. As the Scripture says, “And it is he who will go out a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah…so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17). Consistent with that calling, John preached a baptism of repentance (Matthew 3:2,6) as preparation for salvation through faith in Jesus. This convicting message was welcomed by the humbler commoners but was rejected by the proud Pharisees and lawyers (Luke 7:29-30). Apparently not much has changed in the 2,000 years since!
