Bible Strands
Acts 13:24
Before the arrival of Jesus, John preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses a synagogue congregation in Antioch of Pisidia, recounting Israel’s history to explain how God fulfilled His promise by raising Jesus as Savior. The statement occurs within a sermon tracing God’s redemptive plan from David’s line to the coming Messiah.
The words — προκηρύξαντος (prokēryxantos) means “having proclaimed beforehand” or “preaching ahead,” and βάπτισμα (baptisma) denotes “a baptism.” Paul uses these terms to mark John’s preparatory ministry that directly preceded Jesus’ arrival.
The thread — This theme of John’s preparatory preaching appears in Acts 1:22, which marks the boundary from John’s baptism to Jesus’ ascension, and aligns with the fulfillment of Mark 1:2 and Matthew 3:1, where John’s wilderness ministry prepares the way for the Lord.
Why it lands — The text requires a reader to recognize that John’s message was strictly preparatory, directing Israel’s attention to Jesus rather than establishing a competing movement. It demands a clear chronological and theological distinction between the forerunner’s work and the Savior’s arrival.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
Cross-references
- Acts 1:22 beginning from John’s baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”
- Matthew 3:1 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea
- Mark 1:2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way.”
- Luke 3:2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.
- Acts 10:37 You yourselves know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee with the baptism that John proclaimed:
- Acts 19:3 “Into what, then, were you baptized?” Paul asked. “The baptism of John,” they replied.
- Luke 1:76 And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him,
- John 1:6 There came a man who was sent from God. His name was John.
- John 1:15 John testified concerning Him. He cried out, saying, “This is He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’”
- John 3:25 Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the issue of ceremonial washing.