Keraia
Mark 1

Mark 1:4

The Mission of John the Baptist · Mark 1:1–11
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Translations

Modern
John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Traditional
John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
Literal
John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance unto forgiveness of sins.
Latin
Fuit Joannes in deserto baptizans, et prædicans baptismum pœnitentiæ in remissionem peccatorum.

Interlinear

Greek
English
John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Notes

Mark 1:4

  • John's mission as the Lord's messenger was to prepare people for the arrival of the Messiah (see Luke 1:76–77). He instructed them to confess their sins, seek God's forgiveness, and be baptized. Those who did this were ready to receive the message of Jesus (see Luke 7:29–30).

  • John was in the wilderness, likely the desert area around the Jordan River north of the Dead Sea. This shows he was the "voice" Isaiah mentioned (Mark 1:3).

  • preaching a baptism: The exact origin of John's baptism is uncertain. The Qumran community practiced a "baptism" when someone became a part of the community, which they repeated regularly. But John's baptism was a one-time event. Jewish baptism for those converting to Judaism is another possible source, but it is more likely that such baptisms were not practiced until after John's ministry.

Mark 1:2–8

This account does not focus mainly on John the Baptist, the messenger. Instead, it is about the one whom he announces as Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God (1:1).

Theme notes and profiles

John the Baptist Baptism

Events

Parallels

Isaiah 40:1–5 Matthew 3:1–17 Luke 3:1–22 John 1:19–34

People

John: The Baptist, a prophet who prepared the way for Jesus

Glossary

Baptism of Jesus Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Confession Conversion Gospel John the Baptist Mark, Gospel of Remission of Sins Repentance Travel Wilderness

Topics

Baptism: John's Infant Baptism John: Lives in the Desert John: Ministry of John: Mission of Preaching: Repentance, the Subject of John the Baptist's Repentance: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Salvation: Conditions of