AND IN THOSE DAYS COMETH JOHN THE BAPTIST (εν δε ταις ημεραις παραγινετα Ιωανης ο Βαπτιστης). Here the synoptic narrative begins with the baptism of John (Matthew 3:1; Mark 1:2; Luke 3:1) as given by Peter in Acts 1:22, "from the baptism of John, unto the day that he was received up from us" (cf.... [ Continue Reading ]
REPENT (μετανοειτε). Broadus used to say that this is the worst translation in the New Testament. The trouble is that the English word "repent" means "to be sorry again" from the Latin _repoenitet_ (impersonal). John did not call on the people to be sorry, but to change (think afterwards) their me... [ Continue Reading ]
NOW JOHN HIMSELF (αυτος δε ο Ιωανης). Matthew thus introduces the man himself and draws a vivid sketch of his dress (note ειχεν, imperfect tense), his habit, and his food. Would such an uncouth figure be welcome today in any pulpit in our cities? In the wilderness it did not matter. It was probab... [ Continue Reading ]
AND THEY WERE BAPTIZED (κα εβαπτιζοντο). It is the imperfect tense to show the repetition of the act as the crowds from Judea and the surrounding country kept going out to him (εξεπορευετο), imperfect again, a regular stream of folks going forth. Moffatt takes it as causative middle, "got baptized... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PHARISEES AND SADDUCEES (των Φαρισαιων κα Σαδδουκαιων). These two rival parties do not often unite in common action, but do again in Matthew 16:1. "Here a strong attraction, there a strong repulsion, made them for the moment forget their differences" (McNeile). John saw these rival ecclesiasti... [ Continue Reading ]
FRUIT WORTHY OF REPENTANCE (Καρπον αξιον της μετανοιας). John demands proof from these men of the new life before he administers baptism to them. "The fruit is not the change of heart, but the acts which result from it" (McNeile). It was a bold deed for John thus to challenge as unworthy the very... [ Continue Reading ]
AND THINK NOT TO SAY WITHIN YOURSELVES (κα μη δοξητε λεγειν εν εαυτοις). John touched the tender spot, their ecclesiastical pride. They felt that the "merits of the fathers," especially of Abraham, were enough for all Israelites. At once John made clear that, reformer as he was, a breach existed... [ Continue Reading ]
IS THE AXE LAID (η αξινη κειτα). This verb κειτα is used as the perfect passive of τιθημ. But the idea really is, "the axe lies at (προς, before) the root of the trees." It is there ready for business. The prophetic present occurs also with "is hewn down" and "cast.... [ Continue Reading ]
MIGHTIER THAN I (ισχυροτερος μου). Ablative after the comparative adjective. His baptism is water baptism, but the Coming One "will baptize in the Holy Spirit and fire." "Life in the coming age is in the sphere of the Spirit. Spirit and fire are coupled with one preposition as a double baptism" ... [ Continue Reading ]
WILL BURN UP WITH UNQUENCHABLE FIRE (κατακαυσε πυρ ασβεστω). Note perfective use of κατα. The threshing floor, the fan, the wheat, the garner, the chaff (αχυρον, chaff, straw, stubble), the fire furnish a life-like picture. The "fire" here is probably judgment by and at the coming of the Messiah... [ Continue Reading ]
THEN COMETH JESUS (τοτε παραγινετα ο Ιησους). The same historical present used in Matthew 3:1. He comes all the way from Galilee to Jordan "to be baptized by him" (του βαπτισθηνα υπο αυτου). The genitive articular infinitive of purpose, a very common idiom. The fame of John had reached Nazareth a... [ Continue Reading ]
WOULD HAVE HINDERED (διεκωλυεν). Rather "tried to prevent" as Moffatt has it. It is the conative imperfect. The two men of destiny are face to face for the first time apparently. The Coming One stands before John and he recognizes him before the promised sign is given.... [ Continue Reading ]
TO FULFIL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS (πληρωσα πασαν δικαιοσυνην). The explanation of Jesus satisfies John and he baptizes the Messiah though he has no sins to confess. It was proper (πρεπον) to do so else the Messiah would seem to hold aloof from the Forerunner. Thus the ministries of the two are linked t... [ Continue Reading ]
THE SPIRIT OF GOD DESCENDING AS A DOVE (πνευμα θεου καταβαινον ωσε περιστεραν). It is not certain whether Matthew means that the Spirit of God took the form of a dove or came upon Jesus as a dove comes down. Either makes sense, but Luke (Luke 3:22) has it "in bodily form as a dove" and that is pr... [ Continue Reading ]
A VOICE OUT OF THE HEAVENS (φωνη εκ των ουρανων). This was the voice of the Father to the Son whom he identifies as His Son, "my beloved Son." Thus each person of the Trinity is represented (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) at this formal entrance of Jesus upon his Messianic ministry. John heard the voi... [ Continue Reading ]