John’s ministry began before that of Jesus. As the last old covenant prophet, his task was to prepare God’s people for the coming of the Messiah.1 The fact that Paul makes special reference to him may be because some people honoured him too highly.2 Clearly the news regarding John the Baptist and Jesus had circulated also as far as Pisidian Antioch.3
24 Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.