Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia The term "forerunner" in the biblical context refers to a person who goes ahead to prepare the way for someone else, often of greater significance. This concept is most prominently associated with John the Baptist, who is recognized as the forerunner of Jesus Christ. The role of a forerunner is deeply rooted in the prophetic tradition of the Old Testament and finds its fulfillment in the New Testament narrative.Old Testament Background The idea of a forerunner is foreshadowed in the Old Testament, where prophets often spoke of one who would prepare the way for the coming of the Lord. Isaiah 40:3 declares, "A voice of one calling: 'Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert.'" This prophecy sets the stage for the New Testament understanding of the forerunner's role. John the Baptist as the Forerunner John the Baptist is explicitly identified as the forerunner of Jesus Christ. His mission was to prepare the people for the coming of the Messiah by calling them to repentance and baptizing them in the Jordan River. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus Himself affirms John's role, saying, "This is the one about whom it is written: 'Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You'" (Matthew 11:10). John's ministry is characterized by his call for repentance and his announcement of the imminent arrival of the Kingdom of God. In Mark 1:2-4 , it is written, "As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: 'Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way.' 'A voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.' So John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." Symbolism and Significance The role of the forerunner is not merely historical but also symbolic. John the Baptist's life and ministry symbolize the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. He stands as a bridge between the prophetic tradition of the Old Testament and the fulfillment of those prophecies in the person of Jesus Christ. His call to repentance and baptism signifies the need for spiritual preparation and purification in anticipation of the Messiah's coming. Hebrews 6:20 and the Forerunner Concept The concept of a forerunner is also applied to Jesus Christ Himself in the book of Hebrews. Hebrews 6:20 states, "where Jesus, our forerunner, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek." Here, Jesus is depicted as the forerunner who enters the heavenly sanctuary on behalf of believers, securing their hope and salvation. This application of the term highlights Jesus' pioneering role in opening the way to God through His sacrificial death and resurrection. Conclusion The biblical concept of a forerunner is rich with theological significance, emphasizing preparation, transition, and fulfillment. John the Baptist's role as the forerunner of Christ underscores the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Through his ministry, the way was prepared for the coming of the Savior, who Himself becomes the ultimate forerunner, leading believers into the presence of God. Easton's Bible Dictionary John the Baptist went before our Lord in this character (Mark 1:2, 3). Christ so called (Hebrews 6:20) as entering before his people into the holy place as their head and guide. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A messenger sent before to give notice of the approach of others; a harbinger; a sign foreshowing something; a prognostic; as, the forerunner of a fever.2. (n.) A predecessor; an ancestor. 3. (n.) A piece of rag terminating the log line. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia FORERUNNERfor-run'-er (prodromos): Greek 4274. prodromos -- a running forward, going in advance ... going in advance. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: prodromos Phonetic Spelling: (prod'-rom-os) Short Definition: a precursor, forerunner Definition: a ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4274.htm - 7k 910. baptistes -- a baptizer Library The Forerunner Prayer --The Forerunner of Mercy The Angel the Forerunner of the Holy Spirit Meaning Contained in ... The Strong Forerunner and the Stronger Son And his Forerunner was John the Baptist, who Prepared and Made ... Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of ... Elias a Forerunner of Messiah. (Matt. , xvii. , 10-13. ) Jesus and his Forerunner. The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his ... Discovery of the Honored Head of the Forerunner of Our Lord, and ... Thesaurus Forerunner (3 Occurrences)... 1. (n.) A messenger sent before to give notice of the approach of others; a harbinger; a sign foreshowing something; a prognostic; as, the forerunner of a fever ... /f/forerunner.htm - 9k Zacharias (11 Occurrences) Upright (392 Occurrences) Usher (1 Occurrence) Whither (151 Occurrences) Fore-sabbath (1 Occurrence) Fore-part (1 Occurrence) Rebellious (63 Occurrences) Dayspring (2 Occurrences) Melchiz'edek (9 Occurrences) Resources What is the Baha'i faith? | GotQuestions.orgIs there any validity to the Zeitgeist movie? | GotQuestions.org Who baptized John the Baptist? | GotQuestions.org Forerunner: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Forerunner (3 Occurrences)Luke 1:17 John 3:28 Hebrews 6:20 Subtopics Forerunner: Figurative of Christ Related Terms |
    |