Matthew 3:1. IN THOSE DAYS. Nearly thirty years after the events mentioned in the last chapter (comp. Luke 3:23). Of that long period of private discipline and preparation in Nazareth, only one incident is preserved in the Gospels (Luke 42 - 52). The Apocryphal histories ‘of the Infancy' are as fool... [ Continue Reading ]
John the Baptist, his mission, character, and preaching. The section takes up the Old Testament prophecy (Matthew 3:3), and concludes with an announcement of the coming Messiah (Matthew 3:11-12), whose baptism is next recorded. John combines the characters of Moses and Isaiah, joins law and promise... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 3:2. REPENT. Not mere remorse, but conversion and reformation, or turning away from sin and unto God. The Greek word means change of mind or heart. A necessary exhortation, because the people were corrupt, but especially now: FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND, _i.e.,_ has become and is no... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 3:3. FOR. He thus preached, because he was sent to fulfil this prophecy. IS HE. All the Evangelists and John himself thus apply the prophecy, which is more than a typical one. Even if the primary reference was to a return from captivity, the entire fulfilment was in the mission of the Bapt... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 3:4. HOW JOHN HIMSELF. The dress and habits of John confirm the statement of Matthew 3:3. His dress, like that of Elijah, corresponded with his preaching. The resemblance to Elijah was possibly in the mind of the Evangelist, since our Lord in his public teaching (chap. Matthew 11:14; Matthew... [ Continue Reading ]