Just as the message of salvation to the Gentiles was a radical and revolutionary development of St Paul the ministry of St John the Baptist was a major challenge to the Jews of the First Century. By being baptized they were effectively renewing their "Jewishness." Baptism had previously been a practice for gentiles who were becoming Jews but now St John the Baptist was saying that all Jews needed to be baptized. The process of Hellenization and rule by the Romans was having a massive effect on Jewish life. rather than attack these St John the Baptist declared that what was required was not violent revolution (Zealots), stricter adherence to the Torah (Pharisees), separation from society (Essenes) or collaboration with the gentiles (Sadducees) rather it was a personal moral transformation to prepare for the imminent arrival of the Messiah. He anticipated a fiery judgement when the Messiah was manifested, instead Jesus brought healing and mercy. Nevertheless, Jesus identified with the people who were turning to God and longed for God's kingdom to be vindicated on Earth. Thus, he allays John's doubts about his own baptism and tells him: " 'Let it be so for now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfil all righteousness." (Mtt 3: 17)
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