Acts 13:25 – “As John was completing his work, he said: ‘Who do you suppose I am? I am not the one you are looking for. But there is one coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul continues his sermon in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, explaining how God fulfilled His promises through Jesus. He now speaks about John the Baptist, the prophet who prepared the way for the Messiah.

John was highly respected among the Jewish people. Many believed he was a great prophet, and some even wondered if he might be the Messiah himself. But John made it clear that he was not the one they were waiting for. He told them that someone greater was coming after him—someone so superior that he was not even worthy to untie His sandals.

In that culture, untying someone’s sandals was the job of a servant. By saying this, John was showing deep humility and absolute reverence for Jesus. He recognized that, while he was called to prepare the way, Jesus was the true Savior and King.

Paul’s point here is that even John, the great prophet, acknowledged that Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s plan. If John, whom the people respected, directed their attention to Jesus, they should listen and believe in Him.

Historical Context

John the Baptist’s ministry took place before Jesus began His public ministry. He preached in the wilderness, calling people to repent and be baptized as a sign of their commitment to God (Matthew 3:1-6). His message was urgent: the kingdom of God was near, and the people needed to prepare their hearts.

Many thought John might be the Messiah. However, he repeatedly denied it, making it clear that his role was to point to someone greater—Jesus (John 1:19-27).

John’s statement about not being worthy to untie Jesus’ sandals reflects the social customs of that time. A disciple could be expected to serve his teacher in many ways, but untying sandals was considered too lowly for even a disciple—it was a servant’s task. By using this imagery, John was emphasizing how much greater Jesus was compared to him.

John’s ministry came to an end when he was imprisoned and later executed by Herod (Matthew 14:1-12). However, his testimony about Jesus remained, and even Jesus Himself affirmed that John was the greatest prophet (Luke 7:28).

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several important spiritual truths:

1. John’s Humility – Even though John had a large following and great influence, he did not seek personal glory. He pointed people to Jesus, showing that true spiritual leaders should always direct others to Christ, not themselves.
2. Jesus’ Supremacy – John’s words make it clear that Jesus is not just another prophet—He is far greater. If John considered himself unworthy to even serve Jesus in the lowest way, that speaks volumes about who Jesus is.
3. God’s Plan Unfolds in Stages – John’s role was temporary. He was the forerunner, not the fulfillment. This teaches us that God often prepares the way before revealing His full plan.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s sermon in Acts 13 is structured as a historical summary that builds toward Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises. By quoting John, Paul adds credibility to his argument—John was widely respected, so his testimony about Jesus carried weight.

The phrase “Who do you suppose I am?” is significant. John was addressing the people’s expectations and making it clear that he was not the Messiah. He was correcting their misconceptions and directing them toward the true Savior.

The phrase “There is one coming after me” reinforces that Jesus’ arrival was planned and expected. John’s ministry was temporary, but Jesus’ work was eternal.

Finally, “whose sandals I am not worthy to untie” is a powerful statement of humility. In a time when religious leaders often sought status and honor, John’s attitude was radically different—he saw himself as nothing compared to Jesus.

Biblical Cross-References

• Isaiah 40:3 – A prophecy about John: “A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord.’”
• Malachi 3:1 – A prophecy about a messenger (John) preparing the way for the Lord.
• Matthew 3:11 – John says, “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry.”
• John 1:19-27 – John denies being the Messiah and directs people to Jesus.
• John 3:30 – John says about Jesus, “He must become greater; I must become less.”
• Luke 7:28 – Jesus affirms that John was the greatest prophet.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a challenge to live with humility and to point others to Jesus, just as John did. In a world that promotes self-promotion and personal success, John’s example reminds us that true greatness comes from serving Christ and making Him known.

It also teaches us to have the right perspective on Jesus. If John, the greatest prophet, saw himself as unworthy before Jesus, how much more should we stand in awe of Him? We should never reduce Jesus to just a good teacher or moral example—He is the Son of God, worthy of all honor and worship.

Additionally, John’s words remind us that we are not the center of God’s plan—Jesus is. Our job is not to build our own reputation, but to lead people to Christ.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He carefully prepared the way for Jesus. He sent John to stir people’s hearts so they would be ready to receive the Savior. This shows that God does not act randomly—He lovingly plans and prepares for His people to encounter Him.

John’s message of repentance was also an act of love. God was calling people to turn from their sins so they could experience true life in Christ. Even today, God lovingly calls people to repentance, not because He wants to condemn them, but because He wants to save them (2 Peter 3:9).

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse is all about Jesus—John’s role was to point people to Him.

1. Jesus is the One Greater Than John – John had a great ministry, but he made it clear that Jesus was far superior (Matthew 3:11).
2. Jesus is the Fulfillment of God’s Promise – John prepared the way, but Jesus was the promised Savior who completed the work (John 1:29).
3. Jesus is the Servant-King – While John said he was unworthy to untie Jesus’ sandals, Jesus later humbled Himself and washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:1-5).
4. Jesus Must Be Exalted – John’s words, “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30), remind us that Jesus should be the focus of our lives, not ourselves.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does John’s humility challenge the way you live and serve Christ?
2. Are there areas in your life where you are seeking recognition instead of pointing people to Jesus?
3. How can you prepare the way for others to come to know Jesus, as John did?
4. Why is it important to recognize Jesus as greater than any human leader or prophet?
5. How does John’s attitude of “He must become greater; I must become less” apply to your own faith journey?

This verse is a powerful reminder that our lives should point to Jesus. Just as John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ, we are called to do the same—humbly serving, faithfully sharing the gospel, and making Jesus the focus of our lives.