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The advent of John was in fulfillment of what prophecy?
Mark: “As it is written in the prophets, Behold I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare the way before thee” ([i, 2]).
This passage is quoted from Malachi ([iii, 1]): God threatens to destroy the world, and says ([iv, 5]), “Behold I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” John expressly declared that he was not Elijah (Elias), and the destruction of the world did not follow his appearance.