Was Jesus alive when John the Baptist was beheaded?

Answer 1

A:According to the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke), John the Baptist was executed in Galilee shortly after he baptised Jesus, traditionally in about 29 CE. Since Jesus is recorded as being born during the reign of King Herod, who died in April 4 BCE, Jesus must have been over 35 years old. John's Gospel delays the Baptist's execution until later in the mission of Jesus.

The historical account, by the first-century Jewish historian Josephus, suggests not only that John the Baptist's execution took place long after the traditional time of Jesus' crucifixion, but also that it took place in faraway Macherus and not necessarily by beheading. Josephus confirms that the reason for John's arrest was his public criticism of Herod Antipas' marriage to his own brother's former wife. The wedding took place in 34 CE and Antipas ordered John to be executed in 35 or 36 CE, out of fear that he was stirring the Jews up for rebellion. The relevant text from Book 18 of Antiquities of the Jews:

"Now many people came in crowds to him, for they were greatly moved by his words. Herod, who feared that the great influence John had over the masses might put them into his power and enable him to raise a rebellion (for they seemed ready to do anything he should advise), thought it best to put him to death. In this way, he might prevent any mischief John might cause, and not bring himself into difficulties by sparing a man who might make him repent of it when it would be too late. Accordingly John was sent as a prisoner, out of Herod's suspicious temper, to Macherus, the castle I already mentioned, and was put to death."

On the historical information, Jesus must have already been dead when John the Baptist was executed.

Answer 2

A:According to the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke), Jesus was most certainly alive when John the Baptist was executed in Galilee, as this took place only shortly after John baptised Jesus. John's Gospel delays the Baptist's execution until later in the mission of Jesus, but still well before the crucifixion of Jesus.

The historical account suggests not only that John the Baptist's execution took place long after the traditional time of Jesus' crucifixion, but also that it took place in faraway Macherus and not necessarily by beheading. However, the first-century Jewish historian, Josephus, confirms that the reason for John's arrest was his public criticism of Herod Antipas' marriage to his own brother's former wife. The wedding took place in 34 CE and Antipas ordered John to be executed in 35 or 36 CE, out of fear that he was stirring the Jews up for rebellion. The relevant text from Book 18 of Antiquities of the Jews:

"Now many people came in crowds to him, for they were greatly moved by his words. Herod, who feared that the great influence John had over the masses might put them into his power and enable him to raise a rebellion (for they seemed ready to do anything he should advise), thought it best to put him to death. In this way, he might prevent any mischief John might cause, and not bring himself into difficulties by sparing a man who might make him repent of it when it would be too late. Accordingly John was sent as a prisoner, out of Herod's suspicious temper, to Macherus, the castle I already mentioned, and was put to death."