Acts 13:25
And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but behold, after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
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John uses the word "suppose" to express deep humility, suggesting his own identity is a matter of conjecture compared to the certainty of the One who follows. His declaration, "I am not he," isn't just a denial of being the Messiah, but a profound acknowledgment of his subordinate role, even the lowest servant's task of untying sandals is beyond his worthiness.
In this part of Paul's sermon, he's reminding his audience about John the Baptist, who preached and baptized before Jesus. Paul emphasizes that John himself pointed away from himself, clarifying he wasn't the Messiah people were eagerly expecting. This highlights John's humility and his crucial role in preparing the way for Jesus, making Paul's own testimony about Jesus even more credible.
John the Baptist's ministry is described as a 'course.' What does this metaphor tell us about his urgent, purposeful work and its eventual end?
A Race to Run
The text says John was 'fulfilling his course.' This wasn't just a job; it was a race, a divinely appointed path with a beginning and an end.
John powerfully redirects attention away from himself. What does his radical humility reveal about true spiritual leadership?
Pointing Beyond Himself
John's primary message was clear: he wasn't the one people were waiting for.
Understand the original words
dromon · Greek Noun
A term referring to one's life work, ministry, or assigned mission. It implies a completed span of service for God.
The quote from John the Baptist in Acts 13 places his ministry in the context of a fervent expectation for the Messiah, highlighting his role as a forerunner and the immense humility with which he pointed to Jesus.
c. 26-27 AD
John the Baptist's Ministry Begins
John the Baptist starts preaching in the Judean wilderness, calling people to repentance and baptism in preparation for the coming of the Lord.
c. 27-28 AD— this verse
John the Baptist's Ministry Peaks
John's ministry gains significant attention, leading many to question if he is the prophesied Messiah. He baptizes thousands, including Jesus.
c. 28 AD
John the Baptist's Imprisonment
John is arrested by Herod Antipas for denouncing his unlawful marriage, marking the end of his public ministry.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching, healing, and proclaiming the Kingdom of God, fulfilling John's prophecies.
This passage directly describes the questioning of John the Baptist by the Jewish authorities about his identity, mirroring the question Paul poses here and John's own denial of being the Messiah.
Matthew 3:11This verse contains John the Baptist's own words about the one who is coming after him, explicitly stating his unworthiness to untie the sandal strap of the Messiah, which is the core sentiment Paul conveys.
Isaiah 40:3This prophetic passage speaks of a voice crying in the wilderness to prepare the way for the Lord, which John the Baptist was fulfilling, highlighting his preparatory role for the coming Messiah.
Malachi 3:1This prophecy foretells the coming of a messenger who will prepare the way before the Lord, directly linking to John the Baptist's mission and his role in ushering in the Messiah's arrival.
barnesActs 13:25: "And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose."
And as John fulfilled his course - As he was engaged in completing his work. His ministry is called a course or race, that which was to be run, or completed. He said ... - These are not the precise words which the evangelists have recorded, but the sense is the same. See the John 1:20 note; Matthew 3:11 note.
pulpitActs 13:25: "And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose."
Verse 25. - Was fulfilling for fulfilled, A.V.; what suppose ye for whom think ye, A.V. and T.R.; the shoes of whose feet for whose shoes of his feet, A.V.; unloose for loose, A.V. St. Paul, as reported by Luke, follows very closely the narrative in Luke 3:3, etc. Compare the words Προκηρύξαντος Ἰωάννου... βάπτι…
John uses the word "suppose" to express deep humility, suggesting his own identity is a matter of conjecture compared to the certainty of the One who follows. His declaration, "I am not he," isn't just a denial of being the Messiah, but a profound acknowledgment of his subordinate role, even the lowest servant's task of untying sandals is beyond his worthiness.
In this part of Paul's sermon, he's reminding his audience about John the Baptist, who preached and baptized before Jesus. Paul emphasizes that John himself pointed away from himself, clarifying he wasn't the Messiah people were eagerly expecting. This highlights John's humility and his crucial role in preparing the way for Jesus, making Paul's own testimony about Jesus even more credible.
In this part of Paul's sermon, he's reminding his audience about John the Baptist, who preached and baptized before Jesus. Paul emphasizes that John himself pointed away from himself, clarifying he wasn't the Messiah people were eagerly expecting. This highlights John's humility and his crucial role in preparing the way for Jesus, making Paul's own testimony about Jesus even more credible.
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John declares himself 'not worthy to untie the sandals' of the one coming after him. What profound truth about Jesus is conveyed through this act of ultimate humility?
The Servant of Servants
John's statement about untying sandals is more than just humility; it reveals the staggering greatness of Jesus.
c. 30-33 AD
Execution of John the Baptist
John the Baptist is beheaded in prison at the command of Herod Antipas.
c. 40-50 AD
Early Church Evangelism
The message of Jesus as the Messiah spreads rapidly through the work of the apostles and early believers, including Paul.
"And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but behold, after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.’" — John uses the word "suppose" to express deep humility, suggesting his own identity is a matter of conjecture compared to the certainty of the One who follows. His declaration, "I am not he," isn't j…
