Who was the historical John the Baptist? Beyond the Gospel stories, John was a Jewish prophet and baptizer whose movement rivaled that of Jesus himself. In this episode, we look at what historians can actually say about him, from the accounts of Josephus and the New Testament to his relationship with Jesus of Nazareth, and his execution by Herod Antipas. We also explore his surprising afterlives: as Yahya in the Quran and Islamic tradition, and as a central prophet of the Mandaeans.
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Sources/Recommended Reading:
Marcus, Joel (2018). "John the Baptist in History and Theology". University of South Carolina Press.
McGrath, James F. (2024). "John of History, Baptist of Faith: The Quest for the Historical Baptizer". William B Eerdmans Publishing Co.
McGrath, James F. (2024). "Christmaker: A Life of John the Baptist". William B Eerdmans Publishing Co.
Taylor, Joan (1997). "The Immerser: John the Baptist Within Second Temple Judaism". Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
Webb, Robert L. (2006). "John the Baptizer and Prophet: A Socio-historical Study". Wipf and Stock.
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