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Prophet and Forerunner '''John the Baptist''' is also refered to as '''John the Forerunner ''' because he was the forerunner of Christ. He was an ascetic and great prophet, who baptized [[Christ ]] and became one of the most revered saints in the [[Orthodox Church]]. He was later beheaded by Herod in the first century to statisfy the request of his stepdaughter, Salome, and wife Herodias. Because he baptized Christ, he is the [[patron saint ]] of [[godparents]].
Isaiah 40:3-5 is commonly read as a prophecy of John. His father, [[Zacharias]], was a [[priest ]] of the course of Abia (1 Chr. 24:10), and his mother, [[Elizabeth]], was of the Daughters of Aaron (Luke 1:5). John held the priesthood of Aaron, giving him the authority to perform baptisms of God.
His birth took place six months before that of Jesus, and according to the Gospel account was expected by prophecy (Matt. 3:3; Isa. 40:3; Mal. 3:1) and foretold by an angel. Zacharias lost his power of speech because of his unbelief over the birth of his son, and had it restored on the occasion of John's circumcision (Luke 1:64).
John was a [[Nazarite ]] from his birth (Luke 1:15; Num. 6:1-12). He spent his early years in the mountainous tract of Judea lying between Jerusalem and the Dead Sea (Matt. 3:1-12). He led a simple life, wearing rope (gamla) fiber clothing and eating "locusts and wild honey" (Matt. 3:4).
As an adult John started to preach in public, and people from "every quarter" were attracted to his message. The essence of his preaching was the necessity of repentance and turning away from selfish pursuits. He denounced the Sadducees and Pharisees as a "generation of vipers," and warned them not to assume their heritage gave them special privilege (Luke 3:8). He warned tax collectors and soldiers against extortion and plunder. His doctrine and manner of life stirred interest, bringing people from all parts to see him on the banks of the Jordan River. There he baptized thousands unto repentance.
