In Luke's infancy narratives he extends the story of Jesus back from his baptism by John the baptist to the births of both of these figures. In doing so, he explores the relationship of the roles of John and Jesus, establishing a key issue in early Christianity. Christianity arose, at least partly, from the Essene context of John the baptist and the disciples of John continued to exist alongside the new Christian religion. Indeed, they competed against Christianity, especially within Judaism. Luke shows in the stories surrounding the birth of John and Jesus that the two are interrelated, but that John is merely the prophet who proclaims the coming of the Messiah, Jesus. In doing so, he turns history into theology and lays a foundation for later Christian belief.