New International Version Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel. New Living Translation Before he came, John the Baptist preached that all the people of Israel needed to repent of their sins and turn to God and be baptized. English Standard Version Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. Berean Standard Bible Before the arrival of Jesus, John preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. Berean Literal Bible John having proclaimed before the face of His coming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. King James Bible When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. New King James Version after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. New American Standard Bible after John had proclaimed, before His coming, a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. NASB 1995 after John had proclaimed before His coming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. NASB 1977 after John had proclaimed before His coming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. Legacy Standard Bible after John had preached before His coming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. Amplified Bible Before His coming John [the Baptist] had preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. Berean Annotated Bible Before the arrival of Jesus, John (YHWH is gracious) preached a baptism (submersion) of repentance to all the people of Israel (He wrestles with God). Christian Standard Bible Before his coming to public attention, John had previously proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. Holman Christian Standard Bible Before He came to public attention, John had previously proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. American Standard Version when John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. Contemporary English Version But before Jesus came, John was telling everyone in Israel to turn back to God and be baptized. English Revised Version when John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. GOD'S WORD® Translation Before Jesus began his ministry, John [the Baptizer] told everyone in Israel about the baptism of repentance. Good News Translation Before Jesus began his work, John preached to all the people of Israel that they should turn from their sins and be baptized. International Standard Version Before Jesus' appearance, John had already preached a baptism of repentance to all the people in Israel. NET Bible Before Jesus arrived, John had proclaimed a baptism for repentance to all the people of Israel. New Heart English Bible before his coming, when John had first preached the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. Webster's Bible Translation John having first preached, before his coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. Weymouth New Testament Before the coming of Jesus, John had proclaimed to all the people of Israel a baptism of repentance. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBefore the arrival of Jesus, John preached a baptism of repentance to Israel. World English Bible before his coming, when John had first preached the baptism of repentance to Israel. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionJohn having first preached, before His coming, an immersion of conversion to all the people of Israel; Berean Literal Bible John having proclaimed before the face of His coming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. Young's Literal Translation John having first preached, before his coming, a baptism of reformation to all the people of Israel; Smith's Literal Translation John having proclaimed before the face of his coming the immersion of repentance to all the people of Israel. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleJohn first preaching, before his coming, the baptism of penance to all the people of Israel. Catholic Public Domain Version John was preaching, before the face of his advent, a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. New American Bible John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel; New Revised Standard Version before his coming John had already proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBefore whose coming, he had sent John to preach the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. Aramaic Bible in Plain English And he sent Yohannan to preach the baptism of repentance before his coming to all the people of Israel. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentJohn having first preached, before his coming, the immersion of repentance to all the people of Israel. Godbey New Testament and John having preached the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel, before the face of his coming. Haweis New Testament John having preached before his first coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. Mace New Testament before his appearance, John had preach'd the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. Weymouth New Testament Before the coming of Jesus, John had proclaimed to all the people of Israel a baptism of repentance. Worrell New Testament John having first preached, before His coming, the immersion of repentance to all the people of Israel. Worsley New Testament John having preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context In Pisidian Antioch…23From the descendants of this man, God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as He promised. 24Before the arrival of Jesus, John preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25As John was completing his course, he said, ‘Who do you suppose I am? I am not that One. But He is coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’… Cross References Before the arrival of Jesus, Luke 1:17 And he will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Malachi 3:1 “Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts. Isaiah 40:3 A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert. John preached Matthew 3:1-2 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea / and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” John 1:23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet: “I am a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’” Luke 3:18 With these and many other exhortations, John proclaimed the good news to the people. a baptism of repentance Acts 19:4 Paul explained: “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” Mark 1:4 John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Luke 3:3 He went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, to all the people of Israel. John 1:31 I myself did not know Him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that He might be revealed to Israel.” Luke 1:16 Many of the sons of Israel he will turn back to the Lord their God. Mark 1:2-4 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way.” / “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’” / John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Luke 3:2-4 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. / He went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, / as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him. John 1:6-8 There came a man who was sent from God. His name was John. / He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe. / He himself was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. John 1:19-23 And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” / He did not refuse to confess, but openly declared, “I am not the Christ.” / “Then who are you?” they inquired. “Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” … Matthew 11:10-11 This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.’ / Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Treasury of Scripture When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. Acts 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 10:37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; Acts 19:3,4 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism… Jump to Previous Baptism Change Entry Face First Goes Heart Israel Jesus John Preached Preaching Proclaimed Ready Reformation Repentance WayJump to Next Baptism Change Entry Face First Goes Heart Israel Jesus John Preached Preaching Proclaimed Ready Reformation Repentance WayActs 13 1. Paul and Barnabas are chosen to go to the Gentiles.6. Of Sergius Paulus, and Elymas the sorcerer. 13. Paul preaches at Antioch that Jesus is Christ. 42. The Gentiles believe; 44. but the Jews talked abusively against Paul, 46. whereupon they turn to the Gentiles, of whom many believe. 50. The Jews raise a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, who go to Iconium. Before the arrival of Jesus, John’s ministry began before Jesus entered His public work, fulfilling God’s promise to send a forerunner before the Messiah (Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1). Israel had long awaited the kingdom and the promised Son of David. John stood at the turning point of redemptive history, calling the nation to prepare for the Lord’s coming. Luk 1:17 And he will go on before the Lord in the spirit… John preached John proclaimed God’s message with prophetic authority in the wilderness of Judea. His call was direct: sin required repentance, and outward religious privilege could not substitute for a heart turned toward God. As the final prophet before Christ’s public ministry, John directed attention away from himself and toward the One greater than he was. Mat 3:1-2 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching… a baptism of repentance John baptized those who confessed their sins and acknowledged their need for cleansing. The baptism did not itself remove sin but publicly marked repentance and readiness for the Messiah. It prepared people to receive the salvation that Jesus alone would accomplish through His death and resurrection. Act 19:4 John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance.… to all the people of Israel. John’s summons extended throughout Israel, confronting religious leaders, soldiers, tax collectors, and ordinary people alike. God’s covenant people were called to respond personally and nationally to their coming King. Israel’s preparation for Christ also anticipated the later proclamation of salvation to the Gentiles. Jhn 1:31 I myself did not know Him, but the reason I came… Persons / Places / Events 1. John the BaptistA pivotal prophetic figure who prepared the way for Jesus by preaching a baptism of repentance. His ministry marked the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. 2. Jesus The central figure of the New Testament, whose arrival John the Baptist was preparing for. Jesus' ministry fulfilled the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament. 3. Baptism of Repentance A symbolic act of purification and a public declaration of turning away from sin, which John the Baptist preached to the people of Israel. 4. People of Israel The primary audience of John's message, representing God's chosen people who were called to repentance and readiness for the coming Messiah. 5. Repentance A key theme in John's preaching, involving a sincere turning away from sin and a commitment to a new way of life in alignment with God's will. Teaching Points The Importance of RepentanceRepentance is foundational to the Christian faith. It involves a heartfelt turning away from sin and a commitment to follow Christ. Reflect on areas in your life where repentance is needed. Preparation for Christ's Coming Just as John prepared the way for Jesus' first coming, believers are called to prepare their hearts for His return. Live with an eternal perspective, focusing on spiritual readiness. The Role of Prophetic Voices John the Baptist serves as a model for bold and faithful proclamation of God's truth. Consider how you can be a voice for Christ in your community, calling others to repentance and faith. Baptism as a Public Declaration Baptism symbolizes a believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. If you haven't been baptized, consider taking this step as a public declaration of your faith. The Fulfillment of Prophecy The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the New Testament underscores the reliability of God's Word. Trust in God's promises and His faithfulness to fulfill them. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Acts 13:24?2. How did John's baptism prepare the way for Jesus according to Acts 13:24? 3. What role does repentance play in our spiritual preparation today? 4. How can we emulate John's example of humility in our daily lives? 5. How does Acts 13:24 connect with Isaiah's prophecy about a forerunner? 6. In what ways can we actively prepare others to receive Christ? 7. What does Acts 13:24 reveal about John the Baptist's role in Jesus' ministry? 8. How does Acts 13:24 connect to Old Testament prophecies about a forerunner to the Messiah? 9. Why is repentance emphasized in John the Baptist's message in Acts 13:24? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 13? What Does Acts 13:24 Mean Before the arrival of JesusActs 13:24 opens by placing us squarely in the season just before the public ministry of Christ. God had already set the stage long in advance: • Malachi 3:1 foretold, “Behold, I will send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me.” • Isaiah 40:3 echoed, “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the LORD.’” • Luke 1:17 declares that John would “make ready a people prepared for the Lord,” underlining that the forerunner’s appearance was no afterthought but a promised piece of God’s plan. All of this reminds us that when “the fullness of time had come” (Galatians 4:4), every event—even John’s brief ministry—fit perfectly into God’s timetable. John preached John did not simply conduct ritual; he heralded a message. Matthew 3:1-2 records him crying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near!” • His venue: the desert places (Luke 3:2), an environment that stripped away distraction and spotlighted the urgency of the message. • His tone: direct, no-nonsense (Luke 3:7 calls the crowd “brood of vipers”); he refused to soften the truth. • His authority: God-given; when priests questioned him, John 1:23 shows he anchored his identity in Scripture—“I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness.” In short, John’s preaching forced Israel to face its sin and its coming Messiah. A baptism of repentance Mark 1:4 explains, “John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” What did that look like? • External act: immersion in the Jordan—an unmistakable, public break with the old life. • Internal reality: genuine change of heart, producing “fruit in keeping with repentance” (Luke 3:8). • Forward focus: Acts 19:4 clarifies that John’s baptism pointed people “to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” While Christian baptism today (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4) carries fuller meaning—union with Christ in His death and resurrection—the root concept remains: outward confession must mirror inward transformation. To all the people of Israel John’s ministry was national in scope. Matthew 3:5-6 notes, “People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan.” • Socially inclusive: tax collectors, soldiers, Pharisees—Luke 3:10-14 shows John addressing each group specifically. • Spiritually preparatory: John 1:31 says he came “that He might be revealed to Israel,” underscoring his mission to ready the covenant people for their Messiah. • Ethically demanding: no exemptions; every Israelite was summoned to personal repentance, fulfilling God’s promise to bless “all the families of the earth” through Israel (Acts 3:25-26). summary Acts 13:24 compresses a vital chapter of redemptive history: before Jesus stepped onto the public scene, God raised up John to preach with power, calling every Israelite to a baptism that signaled real repentance and pointed directly to the soon-arriving Savior. John’s role, message, and audience were all divinely designed to soften hearts, expose sin, and shine a spotlight on Jesus—the Lamb of God who alone takes away the sin of the world. (24) The baptism of repentance.—See Notes on Matthew 3:1-12.Verse 24. - His coming (τῆς εἰσόδου); his entrance upon his ministry, with reference to the ὁδὸς (the way) of Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1 (for the use of dadoes, see 1 Thessalonians 1:9; 2 Thessalonians 2:1).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Beforeπρὸ (pro) Preposition Strong's 4253: A primary preposition; 'fore', i.e. In front of, prior to. the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. arrival εἰσόδου (eisodou) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 1529: (act of) entering, an entrance, entry. From eis and hodos; an entrance. of [Jesus], αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. John Ἰωάννου (Iōannou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2491: Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites. preached προκηρύξαντος (prokēryxantos) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 4296: To announce or preach beforehand, announce by herald. From pro and kerusso; to herald in advance. a baptism βάπτισμα (baptisma) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 908: The rite or ceremony of baptism. From baptizo; baptism. of repentance μετανοίας (metanoias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 3341: From metanoeo; compunction; by implication, reversal (another's) decision). to all παντὶ (panti) Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. the τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. people λαῷ (laō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 2992: Apparently a primary word; a people. of Israel. Ἰσραήλ (Israēl) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2474: Of Hebrew origin; Israel, the adopted name of Jacob, including his descendants. Additonal Resources Acts 13:24 Blue Letter BibleActs 13:24 Bible Gateway Acts 13:24 Bible.com Acts 13:24 NIV |
    |