The answer is: Four

Matt 3; Mark 1; Luke 3; John 1 - Though he's not described as John the Baptist in the gospel of John.

John the Baptist makes a splash in all four gospels, each offering a unique perspective on this intriguing figure. In Matthew, Mark, and Luke, he's the courageous preacher in the wild, boldly preaching repentance and preparing the way for Jesus. The synoptic gospels bring the heat, showing how John's appearance and baptizing thrilled the hearts of those longing for change.

Now, take a look at John's gospel; you might notice something interesting—he doesn’t actually call him "John the Baptist." Instead, John (the author) paints him as a divine messenger and witness to Christ, focusing more on who Jesus is than on John's role as a delimiter of his ministry. As fascinating as they are, gospel writers had different audiences, which helped shape their portrayals. For instance, Matthew tailored much of his content to a Jewish audience, emphasizing John as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies—like that figure in Isaiah who cries in the wilderness.

Did you know that John's distinctive birth narrative—which we only find in Luke—suggests that both John and Jesus had angelic announcements of their amazing futures? Details like these create a rich theological snare; John's purpose is hurriedly obvious—leading folks to the greater light of Jesus, the one who would baptize with the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:8). So, while they often share the stage, John makes it clear throughout these writings he’s always pointing “to the Lamb of God.” It's a beautiful testament to humility!