Who Was John the Baptist? Was He a Disciple of Jesus?

No. John the Baptist was not one of Jesus’ twelve disciples (Matthew 10:2–4Matthew 10:2–4 · King James Version^10:2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; ^10:3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; ^10:4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.Matthew 10:2–4 · King James VersionOpen the Source (1)). The Gospels present him as the prophet sent ahead to prepare Jesus’ way, who baptized Jesus and testified that Jesus existed before him even though John was born first.

Key Points

• The John among the Twelve in Matthew 10 is the son of Zebedee, not the Baptist.
• John was Jesus’ relative and baptized him.
• John kept his own disciples. Andrew left him to follow Jesus.
• John was the promised Elijah in role, not in person.
• Herod the tetrarch beheaded John. Josephus records the execution too.

Was John the Baptist One of the Twelve Disciples?

He was not. Matthew 10:2–4Matthew 10:2–4 · King James Version^10:2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; ^10:3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; ^10:4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.Matthew 10:2–4 · King James VersionOpen the Source (1) names the twelve apostles, and its only John is “the son of Zebedee,” the brother of James. John the Baptist was the son of Zacharias, a priest, and Elisabeth, who was “of the daughters of Aaron” (Luke 1:5Luke 1:5 · King James VersionThere was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.Luke 1:5 · King James VersionOpen the Source (4)).

His work began before the Twelve were called. Luke 3:1–3Luke 3:1–3 · King James Version^3:1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, ^3:2 Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. ^3:3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;Luke 3:1–3 · King James VersionOpen the Source (4) dates the word of God coming to John to the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar. When the apostles chose a replacement for Judas, Acts 1:21–22Acts 1:21–22 · King James Version^1:21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, ^1:22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.Acts 1:21–22 · King James VersionOpen the Source (7) required a man who had been with them “beginning from the baptism of John.” John’s ministry marks where the apostles’ witness starts. He is not counted inside it.

A Prophet and the Forerunner

Isaiah 40:3Isaiah 40:3 · King James VersionThe voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.Isaiah 40:3 · King James VersionOpen the Source (2) speaks of a voice crying in the wilderness, “Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” John applied it to himself (John 1:23John 1:23 · King James VersionHe said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.John 1:23 · King James VersionOpen the Source (5)).

Malachi 3:1Malachi 3:1 · King James VersionBehold, 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.Malachi 3:1 · King James VersionOpen the Source (3) has the LORD say, “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me.” Jesus applies it to John in Matthew 11:10Matthew 11:10 · King James VersionFor this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.Matthew 11:10 · King James VersionOpen the Source (1), and Mark 1:2–4Mark 1:2–4 · King James Version^1:2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. ^1:3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. ^1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.Mark 1:2–4 · King James VersionOpen the Source (6) opens with it.

At John’s birth his father, Zacharias, prophesies, “And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest” (Luke 1:76Luke 1:76 · King James VersionAnd thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;Luke 1:76 · King James VersionOpen the Source (4)). Jesus later calls him “more than a prophet” (Matthew 11:9Matthew 11:9 · King James VersionBut what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.Matthew 11:9 · King James VersionOpen the Source (1)).

How Was John the Baptist Related to Jesus?

Gabriel tells Mary, “thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age” (Luke 1:36Luke 1:36 · King James VersionAnd, 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.Luke 1:36 · King James VersionOpen the Source (4)). The Greek word, syngenis, is glossed “relative” in the word line on that verse page. The text makes them kin without naming the exact degree. The same verse puts Elisabeth in her sixth month, so John was about six months older than Jesus.

John baptized Jesus in the Jordan (Matthew 3:13–17Matthew 3:13–17 · King James Version^3:13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. ^3:14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? ^3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. ^3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: ^3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.Matthew 3:13–17 · King James VersionOpen the Source (1)). Who Was at Jesus’ Baptism? covers that scene.

John the Baptist’s Own Disciples

The Gospels speak of “the disciples of John,” who fasted when Jesus’ disciples did not (Matthew 9:14Matthew 9:14 · King James VersionThen came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?Matthew 9:14 · King James VersionOpen the Source (1)). From prison, John sent two of them to ask, “Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?” (Matthew 11:2–3Matthew 11:2–3 · King James Version^11:2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, ^11:3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?Matthew 11:2–3 · King James VersionOpen the Source (1)).

In John 1:35–40John 1:35–40 · King James Version^1:35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; ^1:36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! ^1:37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. ^1:38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? ^1:39 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. ^1:40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.John 1:35–40 · King James VersionOpen the Source (5), John looked at Jesus and said to two of his disciples, “Behold the Lamb of God!” The two followed Jesus. One was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, who became one of the Twelve.

John did not hold on to his followers: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30John 3:30 · King James VersionHe must increase, but I must decrease.John 3:30 · King James VersionOpen the Source (5)).

His movement outlived him. In Acts 19:1–7Acts 19:1–7 · King James Version^19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, ^19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. ^19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. ^19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. ^19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ^19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. ^19:7 And all the men were about twelve.Acts 19:1–7 · King James VersionOpen the Source (7), Paul meets disciples at Ephesus who knew only “John’s baptism.” Paul says John told the people to “believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus,” and they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Was John the Baptist Elijah?

Malachi 4:5Malachi 4:5 · King James VersionBehold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:Malachi 4:5 · King James VersionOpen the Source (3) promises, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.” The New Testament answers in two ways that fit together.

• Jesus says yes, in role. “And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come” (Matthew 11:14Matthew 11:14 · King James VersionAnd if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.Matthew 11:14 · King James VersionOpen the Source (1)). After the transfiguration, “the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist” (Matthew 17:12–13Matthew 17:12–13 · King James Version^17:12 But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. ^17:13 Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.Matthew 17:12–13 · King James VersionOpen the Source).
• John says no, in person. Asked “Art thou Elias?”, he answered, “I am not” (John 1:21John 1:21 · King James VersionAnd they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.John 1:21 · King James VersionOpen the Source (5)).
• Luke explains the sense. John “shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children” (Luke 1:17Luke 1:17 · King James VersionAnd 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.Luke 1:17 · King James VersionOpen the Source (4)), the words of Malachi 4:6Malachi 4:6 · King James VersionAnd he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.Malachi 4:6 · King James VersionOpen the Source.

John was the promised Elijah by office, not by Elijah returning in person.

What John Said About Who Jesus Is

These lines matter for apologetics because they bear on Christ’s deity.

He prepares the way of the LORD. In Luke 1:16–17Luke 1:16–17 · King James Version^1:16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. ^1:17 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.Luke 1:16–17 · King James VersionOpen the Source (4), John turns Israel “to the Lord their God,” and “he shall go before him,” that is, before the Lord their God. The one John actually goes before is Jesus. Christians read this, with Isaiah 40:3, as naming Jesus the LORD.

Jesus existed before John. John was the elder, yet he says, “He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me” (John 1:15John 1:15 · King James VersionJohn bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.John 1:15 · King James VersionOpen the Source (5); again in John 1:30John 1:30 · King James VersionThis is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.John 1:30 · King James VersionOpen the Source). The same chapter opens, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1John 1:1 · King James VersionIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.John 1:1 · King James VersionOpen the Source).

He is the Son of God. “I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God” (John 1:34John 1:34 · King James VersionAnd I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.John 1:34 · King James VersionOpen the Source (5)).

The Trinity at the baptism. The Son stands in the water, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father speaks from heaven (Matthew 3:16–17Matthew 3:16–17 · King James Version^3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: ^3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.Matthew 3:16–17 · King James VersionOpen the Source (1)). The Trinity sets out the wider case.

How Did John the Baptist Die?

Herod the tetrarch imprisoned John because John told him, “It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife” (Mark 6:17–18Mark 6:17–18 · King James Version^6:17 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. ^6:18 For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife.Mark 6:17–18 · King James VersionOpen the Source (6)). At Herod’s birthday feast, Herodias’ daughter danced and, prompted by her mother, asked for “the head of John the Baptist.” Herod had John beheaded in the prison (Mark 6:21–28Mark 6:21–28 · King James Version^6:21 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; ^6:22 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. ^6:23 And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. ^6:24 And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. ^6:25 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. ^6:26 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. ^6:27 And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, ^6:28 And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.Mark 6:21–28 · King James VersionOpen the Source). Matthew 14:1–12Matthew 14:1–12 · King James Version^14:1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, ^14:2 And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him. ^14:3 For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife. ^14:4 For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her. ^14:5 And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. ^14:6 But when Herod’s birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. ^14:7 Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. ^14:8 And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist’s head in a charger. ^14:9 And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath’s sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. ^14:10 And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison. ^14:11 And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother. ^14:12 And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.Matthew 14:1–12 · King James VersionOpen the Source (1) tells it more briefly.

Josephus adds a political motive, Herod’s fear that John’s influence might lead to a revolt, and names the fortress of Macherus (Machaerus). Whiston’s translation of Antiquities 18.5.2Josephus, Antiquities 18.3.3 · William WhistonNow there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man; for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ. And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day.Josephus, Antiquities 18.3.3 · William WhistonOpen the Source (8) reads:

Now some of the Jews thought that the destruction of Herod’s army came from God, and that very justly, as a punishment of what he did against John, that was called the Baptist: for Herod slew him, who was a good man, and commanded the Jews to exercise virtue, both as to righteousness towards one another, and piety towards God, and so to come to baptism. (8)

The two motives, Herodias’ grudge and Herod’s fear of unrest, can both be true.

How Other Faiths View John the Baptist

Each view is quoted from the community’s own sources, then answered.

Islam: The Prophet Yahya

The Qur’an calls him Yahya, which Saheeh International renders “John.” In Qur’an 3:39Qur’an 3:39 · Saheeh InternationalSo the angels called him while he was standing in prayer in the chamber, "Indeed, Allāh gives you good tidings of John, confirming a word from Allāh and [who will be] honorable, abstaining [from women], and a prophet from among the righteous."Qur’an 3:39 · Saheeh InternationalOpen the Source (9), the angels give Zechariah good tidings of John. He comes “confirming a word from Allāh and [who will be] honorable, abstaining [from women], and a prophet from among the righteous.” The translator’s footnote on Quran.com says the “word” refers to Jesus.

Qur’an 19:7–15Qur’an 19:7–15 · Saheeh International⁷ [He was told], "O Zechariah, indeed We give you good tidings of a boy whose name will be John. We have not assigned to any before [this] name." ⁸ He said, "My Lord, how will I have a boy when my wife has been barren and I have reached extreme old age?" ⁹ [An angel] said, "Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, 'It is easy for Me, for I created you before, while you were nothing.'" ¹⁰ [Zechariah] said, "My Lord, make for me a sign." He said, "Your sign is that you will not speak to the people for three nights, [being] sound." ¹¹ So he came out to his people from the prayer chamber and signaled to them to exalt [Allāh] in the morning and afternoon. ¹² [Allāh said], "O John, take the Scripture [i.e., adhere to it] with determination." And We gave him judgement [while yet] a boy ¹³ And affection from Us and purity, and he was fearing of Allāh ¹⁴ And dutiful to his parents, and he was not a disobedient tyrant. ¹⁵ And peace be upon him the day he was born and the day he dies and the day he is raised alive.Qur’an 19:7–15 · Saheeh InternationalOpen the Source (9) says no one before had been given his name, and that he was given judgement while still a boy. It closes, “peace be upon him the day he was born and the day he dies and the day he is raised alive.” Qur’an 6:85Qur’an 6:85 · Saheeh InternationalAnd Zechariah and John and Jesus and Elias - and all were of the righteous.Qur’an 6:85 · Saheeh InternationalOpen the Source names him with Zechariah, Jesus, and Elias among the righteous. How Many Prophets Are There in Islam? lists the other names.

Muslims and Christians agree that John was a righteous prophet, born to an aged father. The Gospels’ John says who the Word is: the one who “was before me” and “the Son of God” (John 1:15John 1:15 · King James VersionJohn bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.John 1:15 · King James VersionOpen the Source, John 1:34John 1:34 · King James VersionAnd I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.John 1:34 · King James VersionOpen the Source (5)). Jesus in the Qur’an and the Gospels compares the two portraits.

Latter-day Saints: The Aaronic Priesthood

Latter-day Saints teach that John returned as an angel. The heading to Doctrine and Covenants 13Doctrine and Covenants 13 · English, churchofjesuschrist.orgUpon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.Doctrine and Covenants 13 · English, churchofjesuschrist.orgOpen the Source (10) dates the ordination of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to the Aaronic Priesthood to May 15, 1829, near Harmony, Pennsylvania. It says the ordination was “by the hands of an angel who announced himself as John, the same that is called John the Baptist in the New Testament.” The section reads:

Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness. (10)

Doctrine and Covenants 13 · English, churchofjesuschrist.org

In Joseph Smith—History 1:68–72Joseph Smith—History 1:68–72 · English, churchofjesuschrist.org⁶⁸ We still continued the work of translation, when, in the ensuing month (May, 1829), we on a certain day went into the woods to pray and inquire of the Lord respecting baptism for the remission of sins, that we found mentioned in the translation of the plates. While we were thus employed, praying and calling upon the Lord, a messenger from heaven descended in a cloud of light, and having laid his hands upon us, he ordained us, saying: ⁶⁹ Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah, I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness. ⁷⁰ He said this Aaronic Priesthood had not the power of laying on hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, but that this should be conferred on us hereafter; and he commanded us to go and be baptized, and gave us directions that I should baptize Oliver Cowdery, and that afterwards he should baptize me. ⁷¹ Accordingly we went and were baptized. I baptized him first, and afterwards he baptized me—after which I laid my hands upon his head and ordained him to the Aaronic Priesthood, and afterwards he laid his hands on me and ordained me to the same Priesthood—for so we were commanded. ⁷² The messenger who visited us on this occasion and conferred this Priesthood upon us, said that his name was John, the same that is called John the Baptist in the New Testament, and that he acted under the direction of Peter, James and John, who held the keys of the Priesthood of Melchizedek, which Priesthood, he said, would in due time be conferred on us, and that I should be called the first Elder of the Church, and he (Oliver Cowdery) the second. It was on the fifteenth day of May, 1829, that we were ordained under the hand of this messenger, and baptized.Joseph Smith—History 1:68–72 · English, churchofjesuschrist.orgOpen the Source (11), the messenger says “that he acted under the direction of Peter, James and John, who held the keys of the Priesthood of Melchizedek,” and tells the two men to baptize each other.

The New Testament does not record John ordaining anyone. Christians answer from Hebrews 7:24Hebrews 7:24 · King James VersionBut this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.Hebrews 7:24 · King James VersionOpen the Source (15): Christ, “because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.” In Acts 19:4–5Acts 19:4–5 · King James Version^19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. ^19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.Acts 19:4–5 · King James VersionOpen the Source (7), John’s baptism pointed past itself to baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Jehovah’s Witnesses: A Prophet Outside the Heavenly Kingdom

Jehovah’s Witnesses agree that John was not a disciple of Jesus. The Watchtower of 15 February 1992 answers the question in Questions From Readers (12). It says “nothing in that divine announcement indicated that John himself would become a disciple of the coming Messiah.” In Matthew 11:11Matthew 11:11 · King James VersionVerily 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.Matthew 11:11 · King James VersionOpen the Source, the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John. Their book on Jesus takes that to show “that John will not be in the heavenly Kingdom” (Jesus—The Way, the Truth, the Life (13)). The same book says, “John is, though, a faithful prophet of God and will be an earthly subject of God’s Kingdom.”

Christians read Matthew 11:11 as a contrast between eras, not John’s final home: “all the prophets and the law prophesied until John” (Matthew 11:13Matthew 11:13 · King James VersionFor all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.Matthew 11:13 · King James VersionOpen the Source (1)). Jesus says the prophets will be seen “in the kingdom of God” (Luke 13:28Luke 13:28 · King James VersionThere shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.Luke 13:28 · King James VersionOpen the Source (4)).

Mandaeans

The Mandaeans, a baptizing community of Iraq and Iran, honor John. Kurt Rudolph writes in the Encyclopaedia Iranica (14) that 17th-century Portuguese missionaries called them “disciples of John the Baptist.” Yet “they considered John the Baptist to be only one of their prophets or priests.” He adds that “for the Mandaeans John is not the founder of their religion but only one of their prominent representatives.” Their legends, he writes, cast Jesus as a false messiah, against John’s testimony in John 1:29John 1:29 · King James VersionThe next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.John 1:29 · King James VersionOpen the Source (5).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is John the Baptist the Same Person as John the Apostle?

No. The apostle was still going up to the temple with Peter in Acts 3:1Acts 3:1 · King James VersionNow Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.Acts 3:1 · King James VersionOpen the Source, after the Baptist had been beheaded (Matthew 14:10Matthew 14:10 · King James VersionAnd he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.Matthew 14:10 · King James VersionOpen the Source).

Did John the Baptist Write a Book of the Bible?

No. The Gospel of John is traditionally attributed to the apostle. See Who Wrote the Gospel of John?.

Did John the Baptist Perform Miracles?

No. People beyond the Jordan said, “John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true” (John 10:41John 10:41 · King James VersionAnd many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.John 10:41 · King James VersionOpen the Source).

Did People Think Jesus Was John the Baptist?

Herod did. Hearing of Jesus, he said, “This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead” (Matthew 14:2Matthew 14:2 · King James VersionAnd said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.Matthew 14:2 · King James VersionOpen the Source). In Matthew 16:14Matthew 16:14 · King James VersionAnd they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.Matthew 16:14 · King James VersionOpen the Source, the disciples report that guess first among the crowd’s answers.

Was Jesus a Disciple of John the Baptist?

The Gospels never call him one. John said he was not worthy to unloose the latchet of Jesus’ shoe (John 1:27John 1:27 · King James VersionHe it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.John 1:27 · King James VersionOpen the Source).

Keep Reading

• What Is the Deity of Christ?
• Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation?
• Who Was at Jesus’ Baptism?