In our text, the apostle John refers to John the Baptist’s “testimony.” The term is a general one and can be used in a judicial sense, as in many other contexts. Here it is stating the truth that John said about himself as the forerunner of Jesus Christ.
John the Baptist was a charismatic and compelling figure. A rough hewn man, coming out of the wilderness, preaching a message of repentance to the people. As Herod knew, the people thought him to be a prophet (Matthew 14:5). From John’s own testimony we know the following:
- He was not the Christ. In fact, he freely admitted that “One mightier that I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose” (Luke 3:16).
- He was not literally Elijah, or the Prophet, though Jesus later said that John did fulfill the prophecy of Malachi 4:5-ff.
- He was, however, the one to herald the coming of the Messiah, in fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 40:3).
We are grateful for his ministry, he did his work powerfully, willingly and well.
