what we might call personal piety among some Jewish groups. This seems to be what's going on in the Essene group. And it may also be what's reflected in the story of John, who practices baptism.

He did this through telling people to repent as the Kingdom of Heaven was near. Baptism was a Jewish ritual – people were totally immersed in water to symbolise cleansing. John’s baptism was a ...

This messenger is John the Baptist, who appeared in the desert of Judaea. Baptism was a Jewish ritual – people were totally immersed in water to symbolise cleansing. John’s baptism was a ...