The gospels insist that Jesus's ministry begins after being baptised in 29 AD. That fact is critical, and a number of scholars say that Jesus was in fact John's disciple originally. The issue with that theory however is that it would push his ministry out to 36-37 AD if we go by the dates that Josephus provides, as you've pointed out. If Jesus was not a follower of John (which is somewhat more consistent with the gospels) then it doesn't matter if John is alive and well for several years after Jesus meets his death.
It is a Christian idea that John came to "prepare the way for he that was to come after him" (see Luke 3, Acts 15) however this tale was formed sometime between the execution of Jesus and the writing of the gospels.
In Luke Jesus begins his ministry in Luke 4, and begins calling disciples in Luke 5. John the Baptist doesn't die until Luke 9.
In Matthew John baptises Jesus in Matthew 3. Jesus begins his ministry and calls disciples in Matthew 4. John is dead in Matthew 14.
So no, Jesus didn't begin his ministry until after John had died, quite clearly they co-existed. The Gospel of John never mentions his death, as far as the author is concerned John is still alive at the end of the gospel.
It is a Christian idea that John came to "prepare the way for he that was to come after him" (see Luke 3, Acts 15) however this tale was formed sometime between the execution of Jesus and the writing of the gospels.
In Luke Jesus begins his ministry in Luke 4, and begins calling disciples in Luke 5. John the Baptist doesn't die until Luke 9.
In Matthew John baptises Jesus in Matthew 3. Jesus begins his ministry and calls disciples in Matthew 4. John is dead in Matthew 14.
So no, Jesus didn't begin his ministry until after John had died, quite clearly they co-existed. The Gospel of John never mentions his death, as far as the author is concerned John is still alive at the end of the gospel.
For Religion & Health see:[/b][/size] Williams & Sternthal. (2007). Spirituality, religion and health: Evidence and research directions. Med. J. Aust., 186(10), S47-S50. -LINK
The WIN/Gallup End of Year Survey 2013 found the US was perceived to be the greatest threat to world peace by a huge margin, with 24% of respondents fearful of the US followed by: 8% for Pakistan, and 6% for China. This was followed by 5% each for: Afghanistan, Iran, Israel, North Korea. -LINK
"That's disgusting. There were clean athletes out there that have had their whole careers ruined by people like Lance Armstrong who just bended thoughts to fit their circumstances. He didn't look up cheating because he wanted to stop, he wanted to justify what he was doing and to keep that continuing on." - Nicole Cooke
The WIN/Gallup End of Year Survey 2013 found the US was perceived to be the greatest threat to world peace by a huge margin, with 24% of respondents fearful of the US followed by: 8% for Pakistan, and 6% for China. This was followed by 5% each for: Afghanistan, Iran, Israel, North Korea. -LINK
"That's disgusting. There were clean athletes out there that have had their whole careers ruined by people like Lance Armstrong who just bended thoughts to fit their circumstances. He didn't look up cheating because he wanted to stop, he wanted to justify what he was doing and to keep that continuing on." - Nicole Cooke
