Malachi 3:1
“Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.”
King James Version
A messenger sent to prepare the way, and the Lord suddenly coming to his temple — John the Baptist, named from this verse in Mark 1:2 and Matthew 11:10.
Fulfillment References
Matthew 11:10 Mark 1:2 Luke 7:27
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalJohn prepared the way for Jesus, who is YHWH himself coming to his temple.
JewishRefers to Elijah returning before the Day of the LORD — not yet fulfilled.
CatholicFulfilled in John the Baptist as the forerunner of Christ.
ProtestantJesus explicitly identifies John the Baptist as this messenger (Matt 11:10).
AcademicJohn the Baptist consciously modeled himself on this prophetic role.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, D.Min. · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.