Acts 13:24

KJV

When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

When John {G2491} had first preached {G4296} before {G4253} his {G846} coming {G4383}{G1529} the baptism {G908} of repentance {G3341} to all {G3956} the people {G2992} of Israel {G2474}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now before the coming of Yeshua, Yochanan proclaimed to all the people of Isra’el an immersion in connection with turning to God from sin.

Berean Standard Bible

Before the arrival of Jesus, John preached 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 13:24, embedded within Paul's sermon in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia, succinctly encapsulates the pivotal preparatory ministry of John the Baptist. It highlights how John, as the divinely appointed forerunner, proclaimed a baptism of repentance to the entire nation of Israel, thereby setting the stage and readying the hearts of the people for the imminent arrival and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial point in Paul's comprehensive sermon to the Jewish synagogue in Antioch of Pisidia, as recorded in [Acts 13](/acts/13 "Acts 13 - Paul's First Missionary Journey and Sermon"). Paul meticulously traces God's redemptive history, beginning with Israel's exodus from Egypt, through the period of the judges and kings, culminating in King David, from whose lineage God promised a Savior ([Acts 13:23](/acts/13-23 "Acts 13:23 - God Raises Up Jesus from David's Seed")). Before introducing Jesus as the fulfillment of these promises, Paul strategically emphasizes John the Baptist's role. John's ministry serves as the immediate historical and theological bridge, confirming the divine orchestration of events leading directly to Christ, thereby lending credibility and continuity to Paul's proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John the Baptist's ministry occurred during a period of intense messianic expectation among the Jewish people, who longed for deliverance from Roman oppression and the restoration of Israel's glory. The concept of ritual cleansing (baptism) was not new to Judaism, with various forms of ceremonial washings practiced for purification. However, John's "baptism of repentance" was distinct. It was a one-time, public act symbolizing a radical turning from sin and a commitment to a new way of life in anticipation of the coming kingdom of God. His ministry, conducted in the wilderness and along the Jordan River, drew large crowds from "all the people of Israel," signifying its widespread impact and the deep spiritual hunger of the nation, as attested in [Matthew 3:5-6](/matthew/3-5-6 "Matthew 3:5-6 - John's Ministry and Baptism").

* **Key Themes:** Acts 13:24 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Preparation and Prophetic Fulfillment**, where John's ministry explicitly fulfills Old Testament prophecies concerning the messenger who would prepare the way for the Lord ([Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi 3:1 - The Messenger of the Covenant") and [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - The Voice Crying in the Wilderness")). Another crucial theme is the **Call to Repentance**, which John's "baptism of repentance" embodies. This was not merely a ceremonial act but a profound summons to a change of heart and mind, essential for receiving the Messiah and entering His kingdom. Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **Continuity and Culmination in Christ**, demonstrating how God's plan unfolds sequentially, with John's preparatory work seamlessly leading to the ultimate revelation and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, the focal point of God's saving activity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **John (Greek, _Iōánnēs'_):** Refers to John the Baptist, a divinely appointed prophet and the cousin of Jesus. His identity as "John" (G2491), derived from the Hebrew "Yochanan," meaning "Yahweh is gracious," subtly points to the gracious divine plan unfolding through his ministry. He is the specific individual chosen by God to herald the Messiah's arrival.
* **preached (Greek, _prokērýssō'_):** This word (G4296) means "to herald (i.e. proclaim) in advance." It emphasizes the prophetic and anticipatory nature of John's message. He wasn't merely teaching; he was publicly announcing, like a herald before a king, the imminent arrival of someone far greater, thereby preparing the populace for a significant event.
* **coming (Greek, _eísodos'_):** Translated from G1529, meaning "an entrance (literally or figuratively)." In this context, it refers to the arrival or public appearance of Jesus. The phrase "before his coming" (using G4253 _pró_ and G4383 _prósōpon_ for "before the face of") denotes that John's ministry directly preceded and paved the way for Jesus' public ministry and the inauguration of His kingdom.
* **repentance (Greek, _metánoia'_):** This term (G3341) signifies a "change of mind," specifically "compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication, reversal (of (another's) decision)." It is a profound spiritual reorientation, a turning away from sin and a turning towards God, involving both a change in one's thinking and a corresponding change in behavior. John's baptism symbolized this internal transformation and outward commitment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When John had first preached before his coming":** This clause establishes the chronological and theological priority of John the Baptist's ministry. John's proclamation was not an afterthought but a divinely ordained, initial step ("first preached") that directly preceded and prepared for the public advent of Jesus Christ ("his coming"). It highlights John's role as the forerunner, setting the historical stage for the Messiah.
* **"the baptism of repentance":** This phrase identifies the core message and practice of John's ministry. It was a unique baptism, distinct from Jewish ritual washings, specifically tied to "repentance" (Greek _metánoia_). This signifies a call for a radical change of heart, mind, and direction, a turning away from sin and a turning towards God, as a necessary prerequisite for receiving the coming Messiah and His kingdom.
* **"to all the people of Israel":** This specifies the universal scope of John's ministry within the nation of Israel. His message was not exclusive to a select few but was directed broadly to the entire Jewish populace, emphasizing God's desire for the spiritual preparation of His covenant people. It underscores the widespread impact and recognition of John's prophetic role across the land.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 13:24 employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as John's ministry explicitly anticipates and prepares the way for Jesus' arrival. His preaching and baptism are presented as a direct prelude to the greater work of the Messiah. This verse also functions as an instance of **Prophetic Fulfillment**, implicitly referencing Old Testament prophecies (e.g., [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - The Voice Crying in the Wilderness") and [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi 3:1 - The Messenger of the Covenant")) that foretold a messenger who would prepare the Lord's way. The structure of Paul's sermon, moving from John to Jesus, creates a **Climactic Progression**, building anticipation for the ultimate revelation of the Savior. Furthermore, the phrase "baptism of repentance" uses **Metonymy**, where "baptism" stands for the entire spiritual and moral transformation it symbolizes, emphasizing the internal change rather than merely the external rite.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:24 underscores the essential theological truth that humanity's encounter with God's redemptive plan often begins with a call to repentance. John's ministry serves as a timeless paradigm, demonstrating that spiritual readiness for God's activity in the world, whether the first coming of Christ or the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, necessitates a turning away from sin and a reorientation towards God. This repentance is not merely regret but a transformative change of mind and life, preparing the heart to receive divine grace and embrace the new covenant. It highlights God's patient and progressive unfolding of His salvation history, where each stage builds upon the last, culminating in Christ.

* [Matthew 3:1-2](/matthew/3-1-2 "Matthew 3:1-2 - John the Baptist Preaches Repentance")
* [Luke 24:47](/luke/24-47 "Luke 24:47 - Repentance and Forgiveness Proclaimed in Christ's Name")
* [Mark 1:4](/mark/1-4 "Mark 1:4 - John's Baptism of Repentance for the Forgiveness of Sins")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 13:24 serves as a powerful reminder of the foundational importance of repentance in the Christian life. Just as John prepared an entire nation for the Messiah's physical arrival, we are continually called to prepare our hearts for Christ's spiritual presence and for His ultimate return. This preparation involves a diligent self-examination, acknowledging our sin, and actively turning from it towards God's transforming grace. True faith is not static; it demands an ongoing reorientation of our lives, aligning our thoughts, words, and actions with God's will. This verse challenges us to consider if our lives truly reflect a "baptism of repentance," a consistent willingness to surrender our ways to God and to live in anticipation of His kingdom. It calls us to cultivate a posture of humility and responsiveness, ensuring our hearts are fertile ground for the seeds of God's Word and the indwelling of His Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might God be calling me to a deeper repentance, a more profound change of mind and direction?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate a readiness and preparation for Christ's presence and work?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart that is continually open and responsive to God's call to repentance and transformation?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of John the Baptist's ministry?**

Answer: John the Baptist's primary purpose was to serve as the divinely appointed forerunner for Jesus Christ. As Acts 13:24 states, he "preached before his coming the baptism of repentance." His ministry was designed to prepare the hearts of the Jewish people by calling them to a radical change of mind and life (repentance), thereby making them spiritually ready to receive the Messiah and His kingdom. He fulfilled Old Testament prophecies concerning the one who would "prepare the way of the Lord" ([Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - Prepare the Way of the Lord")).

**Was John's baptism the same as Christian baptism?**

Answer: No, John's baptism was distinct from Christian baptism. John's baptism was a "baptism of repentance" ([Acts 13:24](/acts/13-24 "Acts 13:24 - John's Baptism of Repentance")), symbolizing a turning away from sin and a preparation for the coming Messiah. It was a sign of a person's commitment to change their life in anticipation of the new covenant. Christian baptism, instituted by Jesus after His resurrection ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), is performed in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It signifies identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection ([Romans 6:3-4](/romans/6-3-4 "Romans 6:3-4 - United with Christ in Baptism")), the forgiveness of sins, and the reception of the Holy Spirit ([Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38 - Repent and Be Baptized")). While John's baptism prepared the way, Christian baptism marks entry into the new covenant community through faith in the completed work of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:24, by highlighting John the Baptist's preparatory ministry, points directly to Jesus Christ as its ultimate fulfillment and culmination. John's "baptism of repentance" was necessary because humanity was enslaved by sin, unable to approach a holy God. His call for a change of heart, though vital, could not in itself provide forgiveness or new life. It was a sign pointing to the One who would truly "take away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Jesus, through His sinless life, sacrificial death on the cross, and glorious resurrection, accomplished what John's baptism could only symbolize. He is the one who baptizes "with the Holy Spirit and with fire" ([Matthew 3:11](/matthew/3-11 "Matthew 3:11 - John's Prophecy of Jesus' Baptism")), ushering in the New Covenant where true repentance leads to forgiveness of sins and the indwelling of God's Spirit, transforming hearts from within. Thus, John's ministry, as described in this verse, serves as a powerful testament to the necessity of Christ's coming and the sufficiency of His atoning work, making Him the central figure of God's redemptive plan for "all the people" who believe ([Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief Lead to Salvation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

Mark 1:2

As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

Mark 1:8

I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

John 5:33

Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.

John 5:36

But I have greater witness than [that] of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.

Matthew 3:1

¶ In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,

Matthew 3:11

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire: