SVG In Christ

Interpretation of the Bible / John 1:33

And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’

John 1:33 is part of a dialogue between John the Baptist and some priests and Levites who ask him if he is the Christ, Elijah, or a prophet. John replies that he is a voice crying in the wilderness, preparing the way of the Lord. It also say that he baptizes with water, but that a mightier than he will come who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.

In this context, John the Baptist admits that he did not know Jesus when he came to be baptized. However, God told him how to recognize the Messiah. It would be the one on whom he saw the Spirit come and remain.

This passage shows that the descent of the Holy Spirit was an important event appointed by God to identify the Messiah. The connection between the Holy Spirit and Jesus is repeated in the New Testament, and this connection is very important to Christian beliefs.

Book: New Testament / John
Topics: baptism, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Spirit
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