Bible Commentary

Matthew 3

Matthew 3 — Overview

Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible · Matthew Henry (1662–1714) · Public Domain

At the start of this chapter, concerning the baptism of John, begins the gospel (Mark i. 1); what went before is but preface or introduction; this is "the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ." And Peter observes the same date, Acts i. 22, beginning from the baptism of John, for then Christ began first to appear in him, and then to appear to him, and by him to the world. Here is, I. The glorious rising of the morning-star--John the Baptist, ver. 1. 1. The doctrine he preached, ver. 2. 2. The fulfilling of the scripture in him, ver. 3. 3. His manner of life, ver. 4. 4. The resort of multitudes to him, and their submission to his baptism, ver. 5, 6. 5. His sermon that he preached to the Pharisees and Sadducees, wherein he endeavours to bring them to repentance (ver. 7-10), and so to bring them to Christ, ver. 11, 12. II. The more glorious shining forth of the Sun of righteousness, immediately after: where we have, 1. The honour done by him to the baptism of John, ver. 13-15. 2. The honour done to him by the descent of the Spirit upon him, and a voice from heaven, ver. 16, 17.

The Preaching of John the Baptist.

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Matthew 3 — OverviewMatthew 3 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeMatthew 3:1, John preaches. His office, life, and baptism; Matthew 3:7, He reprehends the Pharisees, Matthew 3:13. and baptizes Christ in Jordan.Matthew 3:1-6Matthew 3:1-6 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleWe have here an account of the preaching and baptism of John, which were the dawning of the gospel-day. Observe, I. The time when he appeared. In those days (v. 1), or, after those days, long after what was…Matthew 3:1Matthew 3:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryIn those days; and in those days (Revised Version). Probably merely contrasting those past days of the beginning of the gospel with the present, when the evangelist wrote (cf. Matthew 24:19, Matthew 24:22, where the…Matthew 3:1Matthew 3:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe mission of preaching. "Preaching in the wilderness of Judaea." John Baptist was not a teacher; he was precisely a preacher, in the first and proper sense of that word. Everywhere in the New Testament it implies…Matthew 3:1-3Matthew 3:1-3 · The Pulpit CommentaryPreparation for Christ. It was no accident that brought about the conjunction of the mission of John the Baptist with the advent of our Lord. A Divine providence, the purpose of which was declared in an ancient…Matthew 3:1-4Matthew 3:1-4 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe herald. "In those days," viz. while Jesus dwelt at Nazareth, the place of separation and reproach, "came John the Baptist," viz. to herald him. Man's order is to champion that which is popular, God's order is to…