Acts 13:24
When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
προκηρύξαντος
had first preached
G4296
προκηρύξαντος
had first preached
Strong's:
G4296
Word #:
1 of 13
to herald (i.e., proclaim) in advance
Ἰωάννου
When John
G2491
Ἰωάννου
When John
Strong's:
G2491
Word #:
2 of 13
joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites
πρὸ
before
G4253
πρὸ
before
Strong's:
G4253
Word #:
3 of 13
"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to
προσώπου
his coming
G4383
προσώπου
his coming
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
4 of 13
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 13
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
μετανοίας
of repentance
G3341
μετανοίας
of repentance
Strong's:
G3341
Word #:
9 of 13
(subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication, reversal (of (another's) decision)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Paul preached this sermon around AD 47-48 during his first missionary journey. John the Baptist's ministry (AD 28-29) was recent memory for Paul's audience. The phrase 'before his coming' (προ τῆς εἰσόδου, pro tēs eisodou) positions John temporally before Jesus's public ministry, echoing the Gospel narratives and Isaiah's prophecy of the voice crying in the wilderness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does John's baptism of repentance prepare hearts for the gospel message Paul proclaims?
- In what ways do you need to 'prepare the way' in your own life for deeper understanding of Christ's finished work?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance (βάπτισμα μετανοίας, baptisma metanoias)—Paul's sermon in Pisidian Antioch anchors Jesus's ministry in John the Baptist's preparatory work. The verb κηρύσσω (kēryssō, 'to herald') emphasizes John's role as the forerunner who publicly proclaimed the need for metanoia—not mere remorse, but radical turning from sin toward God.
To all the people of Israel—John's baptism was not a sectarian ritual but a nationwide call to covenant renewal. Paul highlights continuity: God's plan for Israel finds fulfillment in Jesus, whom John announced. This prepares Paul's climactic point in verse 38-39—forgiveness and justification now come through Christ, not Mosaic law. John's entire ministry points beyond himself to the Coming One whose sandals he was unworthy to loose (v. 25).