John the Baptist was a prophet sent by God and had thousands
of followers in Judea. He stated, “I [John the Baptist] have seen and testified
that this is the Son of God.” Two of John the Baptist’s disciples heard his testimony
identifying Jesus as the Son of God and went to follow Jesus. One of those
disciples was Andrew who became an apostle of Jesus. Andrew told his brother
Peter, “We have found the Messiah.”
So, John the Baptist who was followed by thousands of Israelites
believed that Jesus was the Son of God. This means that either thousands of
Israelites, John the Baptist, and his disciples were wrong or Jesus was the Son
of God!
J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament
[Josephus Antiquities 18.5.2 116-119]
Now some of the
Jews thought that the destruction of Herod's army came from God, and was a very
just punishment for what he did against John called the Baptist [the dipper].
For Herod had him killed, although he was a good man and had urged the Jews to
exert themselves to virtue, both as to justice toward one another and reverence
towards God, and having done so join together in washing. For immersion in
water, it was clear to him, could not be used for the forgiveness of sins, but
as a sanctification of the body, and only if the soul was already thoroughly
purified by right actions. And when others massed about him, for they were very
greatly moved by his words, Herod, who feared that such strong influence over
the people might carry to a revolt -- for they seemed ready to do any thing he
should advise -- believed it much better to move now than later have it raise a
rebellion and engage him in actions he would regret.
And so John, out
of Herod's suspiciousness, was sent in chains to Machaerus, the fort previously
mentioned, and there put to death; but it was the opinion of the Jews that out
of retribution for John God willed the destruction of the army so as to afflict
Herod.
[The Gospel According to John]
1:29 The next day he [John the Baptist] saw Jesus coming
toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the
world! 30 This is he for whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before
me, for he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him; but for this I came
baptizing in water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John bore
witness, “I saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on
him. 33 I did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to
me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes
with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of
God.” 35 Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples. 36 And
he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 And
the two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 But Jesus
turned, and saw them following, and said to them, “What do you seek?” They said
to him, “Rabbi” (which is translated as “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” 39
He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was
staying. And they stayed with him that day. It was about the tenth hour. 40 One
of the two who heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s
brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have
found the Messiah” (which means the Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus
looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You shall be called Cephas”
(which means Peter).
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