Luke 3:1-6
This text of scripture reveals both the announcement of John the Baptist’s ministry, and an explanation of the prophecies concerning him.
The date is explicitly stated—the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius.
The location is clearly given—John was in the Judean wilderness, a hostile and desolate land.
The divine nature of the calling is proclaimed—“the word of God came to John.”
The message was revealed—John preached a “baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.”
The purpose of John’s ministry is given—to “prepare the way of the Lord.”
The coming of Elijah’s spirit once again, in preparation for the fulfillment of all things; John’s ministry signified that the most important events in man’s history were imminent. The significance of his ministry is seen in the final words of the text, “And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”
