The state of public affairs when John’s work commenced, was unsettled. Discord and insurrection were prevailing, when the voice of John was first lifted up, like the sound of a trumpet pealing forth from the wilderness, thrilling the hearts of all who heard with a new and strange power. John fearlessly denounced the sins of the people, saying, “Repent ye; for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” Multitudes answered to the voice of the prophet, and flocked to the wilderness. They saw, in the singular dress and appearance of this prophet, a resemblance to the description of the ancient seers, and the opinion prevailed that he was one of the prophets risen from the dead. {2SP 47.3}

Da Johannes begyndte var staten med offentlige anliggender ustabil. Disharmoni og oprør var fremherskende, da Johannes stemme blev opløftet, som lyden af en basun der (48) lød ud i ørknen, gyste alles hjerter som hørte med en ny og fremmed magt. Frygtløst fordømte Johannes folkets synder og sagde: "Omvend jer, for Himmeriget er nær." Store skarer besvarede profetens stemme, og flokkedes i ørknen. Med de enkle klæder og udseende hos denne profet så de en lighed til de gamle seerers beskrivelse, og der fremherskede en mening om at han var en af de oprejste profeter fra de døde.