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 is a fascinating figure who really adds depth to the narratives of all four gospels. You see, all four accounts — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — feel it important to mention him, proving his significance in the storyline of Jesus' life. Each writer portrays him slightly differently, but the essential elements stay intact.

In the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), John is prominently featured as a pivotal herald of Jesus, famously calling people to repentance and preparing the way for a new era. Fun fact: all the synoptic gospels note that he wore rough clothing made of camel's hair and enjoyed a wild diet of locusts and honey! Talk about going natural!

Now, when we get to John's gospel, the portrayal shifts a little — he won't be referred to as "John the Baptist" but rather as a witness to the light, which invites readers to look at Jesus as the true force behind the movement. Equally fascinating Nirvana seekers note that John 1:6 refers specifically to a man named John, emphasizing his significant role in bearing witness to a spiritual reality rather than just being about baptism.

John the Baptist isn’t just a guy with a whimsical wardrobe; he embodies themes of renewal and spiritual awakening that resonate through these texts, thrusting us into the drama of Christian beginnings. Pay attention to his rhetoric and imagery — it's like spiritual DNA weaving its way through all who come after!