We also have the prophetic word strongly confirmed, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
‘Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one greater than John the Baptist has appeared, but the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing he was a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard him he would be very perplexed, , and yet he liked to listen to him.
So my people come to you in crowds, sit in front of you, and hear your words, but they don’t obey them. Their mouths go on passionately, but their hearts pursue dishonest profit.
But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, ‘You must never again go out with us to battle. You must not extinguish the lamp of Israel.’
The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and they were baptised by him in the River Jordan, confessing their sins.