- Predictions Concerning Him . Isaiah and Malachi predicted that a "Voice" should precede the Messiah, and their predictions were Fulfilled in John (Isaiah 40:1-8; Malachi 3:1-4; Malachi 5:5,6; Matthew 3:1-3 ).
- Condition of Israel at His Birth . At the birth of John, Israel Was subject to a foreign power (Luke 1:5-13 ).
- Parentage . His parents were Zacharias and Elizabeth. His father Was a priest of the course of Abia, and he was born in fulfillment of The prediction of the angel of God (Luke 1:5-25,57-79 ).
- Early Life . Nothing is known of the early life of John save that He dwelt in deserts until the beginning of his ministry (Luke 1:80 ).
- His Mission . John was sent from God (John 1:6 ) to the descendants of Abraham only (Matthew 3:1-9 ); and he baptized many of them in the river Jordan on the confession of their sins (Mark 1:6 ).
- Introduction of Jesus . He baptized Jesus in the river Jordan (Matthew 3:13-17 ), and afterwards introduced him to the people (John 1:29-37 ).
- Peculiarities of His Ministry . The work of John was,
- temporary (Matthew 3:1-3 );
- it was designed to reform the Jews by bringing them back to the law from which they had departed (Malachi 3:1-17; Malachi 3:4-18; Luke 1:17; Galatians 3:23,24 );
- it was restricted to the Jews (Matthew 3:4-9; Acts 13:26 );
- he decreased as Jesus increased (John 3:25-30 );
- his light shone but for a season (John 5:33-35 ).
- His Doubts . John was cast into prison, and upon hearing the Works of Jesus, he sent to inquire of Him if He were really the Christ. Jesus sent him word that the blind received their sight, the lame Walked, the lepers were cleansed, the deaf heard, the dead were raised Up, the poor heard the gospel, and pronounced a benediction upon His friends (Matthew 11:1-6 ).
- Testimony of Jesus Concerning Him . Jesus declared that no Greater man than John had been born of woman, yet He assured His Disciples that the most insignificant in his kingdom would be greater Than he (Matthew 11:6-15 ).
- Imprisonment and Death . John rebuked Herod for an adulterous Marriage, and as a consequence he was imprisoned and finally beheaded (Matthew 14:1-12 ).
- His Times and Work . John lived and died under the law of Moses. During his life the temple service was carried on as it had been from Of old. The great design of his work was to prepare the people, to Whose fathers He had been promised, for the reception of the Lord.
Condensed Biblical Cyclopedia (also known as The Busy Man's Encyclopedia) was written by Ashley S. Johnson and first published in 1893. It was designed "for those who have but little time for study." The Condensed Biblical Cyclopedia covers major people, places, events and topics in the Bible. Each article is written concisely while still covering the key elements of that topic with links back to main passages in the Bible related to the article.
Ashley Johnson was the founder and president of the School of Evangelists in 1893 (renamed Johnson Bible College in 1909). He was an evangelist, teach and author. Ashley Johnson wrote at least 20 books between 1881 and 1903.He and his wife, Emma Elizabeth Strawn planted churches and encouraged exisiting ministries while starting a correspondence Bible school with thousands of students. After realizing he wanted to educate and train preachers, he founded the School of Evangelists in 1893. After he died, the school was renamed Johnson Bible College. He authored many volumes including: The Internal Spirit, His Word and Works, Moses or Christ Which? The Life of Trust, Debate with a Baptist and many others.In all there are 57 articles including topics such as Abram, Creation, the Exodus, the Hebrew Calendar, the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, the Law, the Sabbath and feasts, the Twelve Apostles and Worship.
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