Acts 13:25

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.’

Berean Standard Bible

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.’

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Acts 13:25 presents a pivotal moment in Paul's sermon in Antioch of Pisidia, where he quotes John the Baptist's humble yet profound declaration concerning his own identity and the imminent arrival of the Messiah. John, having completed his divinely appointed preparatory ministry, emphatically denies being the Christ, instead pointing to the infinitely superior One who is to follow him, a figure so exalted that John deems himself unworthy even to perform the most menial servant's task of untying His sandals. This verse underscores John's faithful witness and sets the stage for Paul's proclamation of Jesus as the promised Savior.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Paul's inaugural recorded sermon in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia, a foundational discourse spanning [Acts 13:16-41](/acts/13-16-41 "Paul's Sermon in Antioch of Pisidia"). Paul systematically traces God's redemptive history, beginning with the Exodus, through the judges and kings, culminating in David, from whose lineage God promised a Savior. John the Baptist is introduced as the divinely appointed forerunner, the bridge figure whose ministry immediately precedes Jesus. Paul strategically uses John's widely recognized testimony to validate Jesus's identity as the Messiah, thereby building a compelling case for the gospel he is about to preach to both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles. The quote from John serves as a powerful, undeniable witness to Christ's supremacy, transitioning from Old Testament prophecy to New Testament fulfillment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John the Baptist operated in a period of intense messianic expectation among the Jewish people, who longed for deliverance from Roman occupation and the restoration of Israel's glory. His ascetic lifestyle, prophetic pronouncements, and baptismal ministry drew large crowds, leading some to wonder if he might be the long-awaited Messiah (as seen in [Luke 3:15](/luke/3-15 "Luke 3:15 - People's Expectation of John")). In ancient Near Eastern culture, the act of untying or carrying someone's sandals was considered the most demeaning task, typically performed only by the lowest slave. For a respected rabbi or prophet, such a task would be unthinkable. John's statement, therefore, was not merely a humble assertion but a culturally understood declaration of Jesus's unparalleled dignity and authority, placing Him far above any human, even a revered prophet like John himself.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within [the book of Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts - The Acts of the Apostles") and the broader New Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights **John's Humility and Prophetic Role**, demonstrating his consistent self-effacement and unwavering focus on Christ, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies of a messenger preparing the way (e.g., [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi 3:1 - The Messenger of the Covenant")). Secondly, it emphatically establishes the **Supremacy and Uniqueness of Christ**, portraying Jesus as infinitely superior to even the greatest of prophets. John's testimony, echoed in the Gospels (e.g., [John 1:27](/john/1-27 "John 1:27 - John's Testimony about Jesus")), serves to correct any potential misidentification of John as the Messiah. Finally, it underscores the theme of **Divine Preparation and Fulfillment**, showing how God meticulously orchestrated events, including John's ministry, to prepare the world for the advent of His Son and the inauguration of His kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fulfilled (Greek, _plēróō'_):** This word (G4137) means "to make replete," "to cram," "to level up," or "to furnish." Figuratively, it signifies to accomplish, complete, or finish a period or task. In the context of John, it refers to the completion of his divinely appointed "course" or ministry, indicating that his work of preparing the way for the Messiah had reached its intended culmination. It implies that John's mission was not ongoing but had served its purpose in God's redemptive plan.
* **worthy (Greek, _áxios'_):** This term (G514) denotes being "deserving," "comparable," or "suitable," as if drawing praise. When John declares himself "not worthy," he is expressing an absolute lack of deservingness or suitability to perform even the most menial task for Jesus. It conveys a profound sense of reverence and an acknowledgment of Jesus's incomparable dignity and authority, highlighting the vast qualitative difference between himself and the coming Messiah.
* **loose (Greek, _lýō'_):** This verb (G3089) means "to loosen," "to untie," "to break up," or "to dissolve." In this specific context, it refers to the act of untying the thongs of sandals, a task emblematic of the lowest form of servitude in the ancient world. John's statement underscores his utter humility and the immense superiority of Jesus, for whom he considers himself unfit to perform even this basic, menial service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as John fulfilled his course,"**: This clause establishes the temporal setting and the completion of John the Baptist's ministry. His "course" (Greek, _drómos_) refers to his divinely appointed mission and life's work as the forerunner of the Messiah. The implication is that his preparatory work was now complete, making way for the One he announced.
* **"he said, Whom think ye that I am?"**: This is John's direct rhetorical question to the people, addressing and correcting any popular misconceptions that he might be the Messiah. It reveals his intentional effort to deflect attention from himself and prevent misidentification, ensuring that the focus remained on the true Christ.
* **"I am not [he]."**: John's unequivocal denial. The "he" (implied in the Greek, referring to the Christ) makes his self-identification clear: he is not the promised Savior. This statement is crucial for distinguishing his role as a prophet from that of the Messiah.
* **"But, behold, there cometh one after me,"**: This marks a dramatic shift, introduced by "But, behold" (Greek, _allá idoú_), which emphasizes the profound truth John is about to reveal. He points forward to the imminent arrival of a new, greater figure, the Messiah, who will follow him chronologically but precede him infinitely in authority and significance.
* **"whose shoes of [his] feet I am not worthy to loose."**: This climactic declaration is John's ultimate expression of humility and Jesus's absolute supremacy. The act of untying or carrying sandals was the task of the lowest slave. John, a revered prophet, declares himself utterly unworthy of even this most menial service for Jesus, powerfully conveying Christ's unparalleled dignity, authority, and divine nature.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Rhetorical Question** ("Whom think ye that I am?") is used by John to engage his audience directly and to preemptively correct any mistaken assumptions about his identity, forcing them to consider his true role. This is immediately followed by **Apostrophe** and **Direct Address** as John speaks directly to his audience, making his message personal and impactful. The phrase "But, behold" (Greek, _allá idoú_) functions as an **Exclamatory Interjection** or **Attention-Grabber**, signaling a profound and important revelation about to be made. Most significantly, the statement "whose shoes of [his] feet I am not worthy to loose" utilizes **Hyperbole** and **Understatement** simultaneously. It is hyperbole in the sense that John is emphasizing an extreme unworthiness, but it is also an understatement of Jesus's true divine nature, which makes John's humility even more profound. This imagery also serves as a powerful **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the part (untying sandals) represents the whole concept of humble servitude and profound reverence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:25 serves as a theological anchor, firmly rooting the identity of Jesus in the prophetic tradition and the testimony of His divinely appointed forerunner. John's self-deprecating yet Christ-exalting declaration underscores the unique, unparalleled nature of Jesus as the Messiah, distinct from any human prophet or leader. It highlights the principle that true ministry, whether John's or our own, is always about pointing beyond oneself to the greater glory of God in Christ. This verse also reinforces the New Testament's consistent portrayal of Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises, the one for whom all prior history and prophecy had been preparing. John's testimony, given before Christ's public ministry truly began, acts as a foundational witness that Paul, centuries later, still finds compelling and necessary to present to a new audience.

* [Matthew 3:11](/matthew/3-11 "Matthew 3:11 - John's Prophecy of Jesus's Baptism")
* [John 1:29-30](/john/1-29-30 "John 1:29-30 - John Identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God")
* [Mark 1:7-8](/mark/1-7-8 "Mark 1:7-8 - John's Preaching about the Coming One")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 13:25 provides a profound model for Christian life and ministry. John the Baptist, despite his significant prophetic role and widespread influence, consistently refused to accept undue honor or attention, always redirecting focus to Jesus. This challenges believers to cultivate a radical humility, recognizing that our purpose is not to build our own platforms or seek personal glory, but to faithfully bear witness to Christ. In a world that often celebrates self-promotion and personal branding, John's example calls us to a counter-cultural posture of self-effacement, ensuring that Jesus remains at the center of our lives, our words, and our actions. Our worth is found not in what we achieve, but in who we serve. Furthermore, John's clear and unwavering testimony about Jesus's supremacy reminds us of the importance of articulating the unique identity of Christ in a world that often seeks to diminish Him or place Him alongside other spiritual figures. We are called to be clear, courageous, and humble witnesses to the One "whose shoes... I am not worthy to loose."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or ministry do I tend to subtly seek recognition for myself rather than directing all glory to Christ?**
* **How can I more consistently embody John the Baptist's humility in my daily interactions and service?**
* **Am I clear and unequivocal in my testimony about Jesus's unique identity and supremacy to those around me?**
* **What does John's statement about Jesus's shoes reveal about the nature of true worship and reverence?**

### FAQ
**Why was John the Baptist so insistent that he was not the Christ?**

Answer: John was keenly aware of the intense messianic expectation among the Jewish people, and his powerful ministry, including his unique baptism and prophetic pronouncements, led many to wonder if he might be the long-awaited Messiah (as seen in [Luke 3:15](/luke/3-15 "Luke 3:15 - People's Expectation of John")). However, John understood his divine calling was specifically to be the forerunner, the one who would prepare the way for the true Messiah. He consistently and emphatically denied being the Christ to prevent any misunderstanding or misdirection of faith, ensuring that people's hope and attention were rightly fixed on Jesus, the one who was truly to come (see [John 1:20](/john/1-20 "John 1:20 - John's Denial of Being the Christ")).

**What is the significance of John saying he was "not worthy to loose" Jesus's shoes?**

Answer: This statement carries profound cultural and theological weight. In ancient Near Eastern society, untying or carrying someone's sandals was considered the most menial and degrading task, typically reserved for the lowest of slaves. For John, a highly respected prophet with a significant following, to declare himself unworthy of performing such a task for Jesus was the ultimate expression of humility and an unequivocal affirmation of Jesus's infinite superiority. It underscored that Jesus was not just another prophet or a greater prophet, but someone of unparalleled dignity and divine authority, far beyond any human, including John himself. This imagery is also found in [Matthew 3:11](/matthew/3-11 "Matthew 3:11 - John's Prophecy of Jesus's Baptism") and [Mark 1:7](/mark/1-7 "Mark 1:7 - John's Preaching about the Coming One").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:25, though spoken by John the Baptist and recounted by Paul, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the very person and work of Jesus Christ. John's entire ministry was designed to prepare the way for Jesus, serving as the final and greatest Old Testament prophet who directly introduced the Messiah. His humble declaration, "I am not [he]. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of [his] feet I am not worthy to loose," perfectly sets the stage for the gospel message. Jesus is indeed the One who came "after" John in terms of public ministry, but who is eternally superior and pre-existent (as affirmed in [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God") and [Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15-17 "Colossians 1:15-17 - The Supremacy of Christ")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, as John himself later declared ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). John's unworthiness to even touch Jesus's feet foreshadows the profound truth that humanity, steeped in sin, could never earn or merit salvation; it is only through the perfect, atoning sacrifice of this supremely worthy Christ on the cross that redemption is possible ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Thus, John's testimony in Acts 13:25 serves as a powerful preamble to the good news that Jesus, the infinitely worthy one, came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")).

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

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: