Meaning of BAPTIST

Nickname of John, he is considered the last prophet of the old Alliance. According to Luke he is the son of the priest Zechariah, from the priestly family of Abijah (Lk. 1: 5; cf. 1 Chr. 24:10); the birth and mission of the Baptist are announced by Gabriel (Luke 1:13-17); At circumcision he is given the name John and his father exalts him as a precursor of the Messiah (Lk. 1: 67-69).

While his father remains in the priestly service of the Temple, John goes to the desert to preach baptism there for the forgiveness of sins (Lk. 3: 3). Bethany (Jn. 1:28) and Enon along with Salim (Jn. 3:23) are cited as places of baptism.

In addition to the preaching of repentance (Mt. 3:7-12; Lk. 3:7-9), his preaching to the different social classes (Lk. 3:10-14), his messianic testimony and the baptism of Jesus (Mark 1:9 and parallels). He directs his disciples towards Jesus, whom they must follow because he is the greatest (John 1:35 et seq.).

Mr. 6: 17-29 tells of the courage with which the Baptist censures Herod Antipas for his adultery, and how this leads him to be beheaded (according to Flavius Josephus, in the fortress of Machaerus). John's disciples requested the body of his beloved teacher and buried it. After which they went to Jesus to tell him what had happened.