Who John the Baptist is
John the Baptist appears at the river Jordan, where he is preaching when Jesus comes to be baptized. He baptizes Jesus, and the Spirit descends like a dove. A voice from heaven names Jesus as the Son of God.
John the Baptist and the others in the story
John's role is to prepare the way for Jesus's mission. The baptism places him at the opening of a story centered on Jesus's obedience and Satan's attempts to test him. Satan hears the heavenly declaration and sets out to test the man it names.
John belongs to the river scene, before Jesus enters the desert. The poem then turns toward Jesus's hunger, reflection and encounters with Satan in the wilderness.
Questions
Who is John the Baptist in Paradise Regained?
John the Baptist is the preacher at the Jordan who baptizes Jesus.
How is John the Baptist connected to Jesus?
He baptizes Jesus and prepares the way for his mission.
Where does John the Baptist appear?
He appears at the river Jordan near the beginning of the poem, before the wilderness testing.