25 Ceremonial cleansing is the true definition of baptism, Before
this, baptisms were a common feature of the Jewish ceremonial system,
but were usually connected with the temple and the laver and were done
by the person himself. John was called "the baptist" because he
introduced the new method of... [ Continue Reading ]
19 The ancient controversy between Jerusalem and Samaria was most
bitter in connection with the proper place of worship. Of course
Jerusalem was right and Samaria was wrong, for God had chosen the city
of David for His dwelling place. Yet now we are confronted with the
strange contradiction that, wh... [ Continue Reading ]
19 Compare Mat_14:3-5; Mar_6:17-18.
19 Herod's treatment of John is here inserted ahead of time to close
the account of John's ministry before opening that of his Master's.
21-22 Compare Mat_3:13-17; Mar_1:9-11; Joh_1:32-34.
23 Maturity and sonship, as distinguished from nativity and minority,
we... [ Continue Reading ]