John 1:21 and the prophet

[Pilgrim_Wanderer]

In the Gospel of St John, the Jews send Priests & Levites to ask St John the Forerunner/Baptist who he is, leading to the following exchange: “And they asked him: What then? Art thou Elias? And he said: I am not. Art thou the prophet? And he answered: No.”

Who is the prophet referred to by the Jews & St John the Forerunner in this verse?

Thanks in advance!

Peace & Blessings to all!

 

[Todd_Easton]

The footnote on this verse in the New American Bible, Revised Edition says, in part:

The Prophet: probably the prophet like Moses (Dt 18:15; cf. Acts 3:22). (source)

Similarly, on this verse, A Commentary on the New Testament, published in 1942 by the Catholic Biblical Association, says, in part:

The Prophet is the Messias, as foretold by Moses: Deut. 18, 15-18. Cf. John 7, 40; Acts 3, 22 f; 7, 37.

Note: Messias = Messiah.

 

[BartholomewB]

“The Prophet,” without giving his name, can only refer to Moses. The expected Messiah was thought of as a second Moses.

 

[Vico]

Haydock Commentary

Ver. 19. The Jews sent, &c. These men, who were priests and Levites, seem to have been sent and deputed by the sanhedrim, or great council at Jerusalem, to ask of John the Baptist, who was then in great esteem and veneration, whether he was not their Messias; who, as they knew by the predictions of the prophets, was to come about that time. John declared to them he was not. To their next question, if he was not Elias? He answered: he was not: because in person he was not; though our Saviour (Matthew xi. 14.) says he was Elias: to wit, in spirit and office only. Their third question was, if he was a prophet? He answered, no. Yet Christ (Matthew xi.) tells us, he was a prophet, and more than a prophet. In the ordinary acceptation only, they were called prophets who foretold things to come: John then, with truth, as well as humility, could say he was not a prophet; not being sent to foretell the coming of the Messias, but to point him out as already come, and present with the Jews. (Witham)

John 1

19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent from Jerusalem priests and Levites to him, to ask him: Who art thou?
20 And he confessed, and did not deny: and he confessed: I am not the Christ.
21 And they asked him: What then? Art thou Elias? and he said: I am not. Art thou the prophet? And he answered: No.

Deut 18

15 The Lord thy God will raise up to thee a PROPHET of thy nation and of thy brethren like unto me: him thou shalt hear:

 

[Pilgrim_Wanderer]

Thank you all for your replies, they are very helpful! Especially with the textual links & references! Peace & Blessings to all!

 

[Cathoholic]

Who is the prophet referred to by the Jews & St John the Forerunner in this verse?

Who is “the prophet” referred to by the Jews & St John the Forerunner in this verse?

Emphasis mine.

.

Probably the Prophet Elisha.

I came to that conclusion from the way Elisha was referred to in the Old Testament. And doing a word/phrase study.

Other’s were some too, but particularly the Prophet Elisha.

If I get a chance I may go to my Bible study files and post explicit reasons why if you want me to.

Hope this helps.

God bless.

Cathoholic

 

[Pilgrim_Wanderer]

That’s interesting. Thanks! If you have time, I’d be very interested to read more from your Bible Study notes but don’t worry if you’re too busy.

Peace & Blessings to all!

 

[Cathoholic]

If you have time, I’d be very interested to read more from your Bible Study notes but don’t worry if you’re too busy.

Sure.

We have a local Catholic men’s group Bible study I draw from that we have written.

I will try to get to it later even today.

Thanks for asking.