John the Baptist

John the Baptist (d. c. 30 CE) was a 1st-century CE itinerant preacher in Judea. We do not know his full name, but he is recognized by his activity. 'Baptizer' (Greek: baptizo) was translated directly into English and meant 'to immerse' or 'plunge'. John immersed people in the river Jordan after they had repented of their sins. Next to Jesus of Nazareth and Paul the Apostle, John the Baptist is one of the most recognized persons in Christianity, and baptism became one of the first rituals practiced by Christians.