Paul explained: “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”
Parallel translations
- WEB Paul said, “John indeed baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe in the one who would come after him, that is, in Jesus.”
- KJV Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
- NKJV Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”
- NASB Paul said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”
- NLT Paul said, “John’s baptism called for repentance from sin. But John himself told the people to believe in the one who would come later, meaning Jesus.”
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Paul explained that John's baptism called people to repent and to believe in Jesus, the One who was to come.
Overview
John himself directed people away from himself and toward Christ (John 1:29-30). Paul shows that John's ministry was preparatory, finding its fulfillment in Jesus. The verse clarifies that true faith rests not in the forerunner but in the One he announced, the Savior these disciples now embrace.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 15
- Acts 11:16Then I remembered the word of the Lord, as He used to say, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
- John 1:29–34The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
- Acts 1:5For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
- Luke 3:16–18John answered all of them: “I baptize you with water, but One more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
- John 1:7He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe.
- John 3:28–36You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of Him.’
- Acts 13:23–25From the descendants of this man, God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as He promised.
- John 1:27He is the One who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”
- Luke 1:76–79And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him,
- John 1:15John testified concerning Him. He cried out, saying, “This is He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’”
- Matt 21:25–32What was the source of John’s baptism? Was it from heaven or from men?” They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’
- Matt 11:3–5to ask Him, “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?”
- John 5:33–35You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth.
- Mark 1:1–12This is the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
- Matt 3:11–12I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Acts is the risen Christ continuing his work by the Spirit through the church, as the apostles preach that there is salvation in no other name under heaven.
How Acts 19:4 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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