Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

Matthew 3:13

Τότε παρα. ο Ἰ.… Γαλιλαίας : then, after John had described the Messiah, appears on the scene (παραγίνεται, the historical present again, as in Matthew 3:1, with dramatic effect) from Galilee, where He has lived since childhood, Jesus, the real Christ; how widely different from the Christ conceived by the Baptist we know from the whole evangelic history. But shutting off knowledge gathered from other sources, we may obtain significant hints concerning the stranger from Galilee from the present narrative. He comes ἐπὶ τὸν Ι. πρὸς τὸν Ἰωαν., τοῦ βαπτισθῆναι ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ. These words at once suggest a contrast between Jesus and the Pharisees and Sadducees. They came to the baptism as a phenomenon to be critically observed. Jesus comes to the Jordan (ἐπὶ), towards the Baptist (πρὸς) to enter into personal friendly relations with him (vide John 1:1, πρὸς τὸν θεόν), in order to be baptised by him (genitive of the infinitive expressing purpose). Jesus comes thoroughly in sympathy with John's movement, sharing his passion for righteousness, fully appreciating the symbolic significance of his baptism, and not only willing, but eager to be baptised; the Jordan in His mind from the day He leaves home. A very different person this from the leaders of Israel, Pharisaic or Sadducaic. But the sequel suggests a contrast also between Him and John himself.

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Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

Matthew 3:13

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