forerunner

From Gk., “one who goes before”

In antiquity a military term for soldiers who ran ahead of the regular army either to announce (herald) or to prepare for (scout) its arrival (cf. Wis 12:8). (Heb 6:20) refers to Jesus entering the Holy of Holies as forerunner, thereby preparing for the access of others to God’s presence. John the Baptist serves as forerunner (although the term itself is not used) to Jesus by announcing and preparing for God’s kingdom (Matt 3:1-12; Matt 11:10; Mark 1:2-8; Luke 3:1-18; Luke 7:27; John 1:6-8; John 19-34:6; Isa 40:3-11; Mal 3:1).