Acts 13:25

And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not [he]. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of [his] feet I am not worthy to loose.

And {G1161} as {G5613} John {G2491} fulfilled {G4137} his course {G1408}, he said {G3004}, Whom {G5101} think ye {G5282} that I {G3165} am {G1511}? I {G1473} am {G1510} not {G3756} he. But {G235}, behold {G2400}, there cometh one {G2064} after {G3326} me {G1691}, whose {G3739} shoes {G5266} of his feet {G4228} I am {G1510} not {G3756} worthy {G514} to loose {G3089}.

But as Yochanan was ending his work, he said, ‘Who do you suppose I am? Well — I’m not! But after me is coming someone, the sandals of whose feet I am unworthy to untie.’

As 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.’

And as John was fulfilling his course, he said, What suppose ye that I am? I am not he. But behold, there cometh one after me the shoes of whose feet I am not worthy to unloose.

Commentary

Acts 13:25 KJV provides a powerful glimpse into the ministry of John the Baptist, specifically his humble declaration concerning the Messiah. This verse is part of Paul's sermon in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia, where he recounts Israel's history leading to the arrival of Jesus Christ.

Context

This verse is spoken by Paul during his inaugural recorded sermon in Antioch of Pisidia, as found in Acts 13:16-41. Paul traces God's faithfulness through Israel's history, from the Exodus to the time of David, and then introduces John the Baptist as the crucial bridge figure who prepared the way for Jesus. John's ministry was widely known, and Paul uses John's own words to affirm Jesus's identity and supremacy, thereby establishing the foundation for the gospel message he is proclaiming.

Key Themes

  • John's Humility and Prophetic Role: John the Baptist, the divinely appointed forerunner prophesied in the Old Testament, consistently deflected attention from himself. His ministry served to prepare the hearts of the people for the true Messiah. By asking, "Whom think ye that I am? I am not [he]," John directly addressed and corrected any misconceptions that he might be the Christ, clearly distinguishing his role from that of the awaited Savior.
  • The Supremacy of Christ: John's declaration, "But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of [his] feet I am not worthy to loose," unequivocally asserts the infinite superiority of Jesus. This statement of John's profound humility is also recorded in the Gospels, emphasizing his role as a witness to the coming Christ.
  • Preparation for the Messiah: John's "course" or ministry was a vital period of spiritual preparation, calling people to repentance and baptism. His clear testimony about the one "after me" was crucial for the Jewish audience, who were eagerly awaiting the Messiah but might have misunderstood John's significant role.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "whose shoes of [his] feet I am not worthy to loose" is a powerful expression of humility and submission. In ancient Near Eastern culture, loosing or carrying someone's sandals was a task reserved for the lowest of servants or even slaves. For John, a respected prophet with a significant following, to declare himself unworthy of performing such a menial task for Jesus underscores the immense reverence and spiritual authority he ascribed to Christ. This echoes John's declaration in Matthew 3:11 and Mark 1:7.

Practical Application

Acts 13:25 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  1. Humility in Service: Like John, we are called to humble service, always pointing others to Jesus rather than seeking glory for ourselves. Our mission is to magnify Christ, not ourselves.
  2. Clear Witness: We should be clear in our testimony about who Jesus is—the unique Son of God and Savior of the world—and not allow misunderstandings to obscure His identity.
  3. Recognizing Christ's Supremacy: This verse reminds us of Jesus's unparalleled authority and worthiness. Our lives should reflect our understanding that He is infinitely greater than anyone or anything else.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 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:

  • Mark 1:7

    And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.

  • John 1:26

    John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;

  • John 1:27

    He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

  • Acts 20:24

    But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

  • Luke 3:15

    ¶ And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;

  • Luke 3:16

    John answered, saying unto [them] all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
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