Matthew 3 Commentary (Concise)
Matthew 3 Explained
Matthew 3 continues the narrative of John the Baptist’s ministry, which began in the previous chapter. This chapter begins with John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness, calling for repentance and baptizing those who responded to his message. In this commentary, we will examine the key themes and events in Matthew 3.
Matthew 3:1
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea.
The chapter begins by introducing John the Baptist, who is preaching in the wilderness of Judea. This sets the stage for the message that John will be delivering throughout the chapter.
Matthew 3:2
And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
John’s message is one of repentance, urging the people to turn away from their sins and to prepare themselves for the coming of the Messiah.
Matthew 3:3
For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
This verse quotes from Isaiah 40:3, which prophesied the coming of John the Baptist as the one who would prepare the way for the Lord.
Matthew 3:4
And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
This verse provides a physical description of John the Baptist and sets him apart as a unique and unconventional figure.
Matthew 3:5
Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan.
John’s message is attracting large crowds of people from throughout the region, indicating the impact that his preaching is having.
Matthew 3:6
And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
Those who responded to John’s message were baptized as a symbol of their repentance and commitment to turn away from their sins.
Matthew 3:7
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
John confronts the religious leaders who come to be baptized, challenging them to bear fruit in keeping with repentance.
Matthew 3:8
Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
John emphasizes that true repentance involves a change of heart and a commitment to living in a way that is pleasing to God.
Matthew 3:9
And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
John challenges the notion that being a descendant of Abraham is enough to secure one’s place in God’s kingdom, emphasizing the need for personal repentance and faith.
Matthew 3:10
And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
John warns of the coming judgment and emphasizes the urgency of responding to his message of repentance.
Matthew 3:11
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
John contrasts his baptism of water with the baptism that Jesus will bring, which involves the Holy Spirit and fire.
Matthew 3:12
Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
John continues to warn of the coming judgment, using agricultural imagery to emphasize the separation between the righteous and the wicked.
Matthew 3:13
Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
We see Jesus coming from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. This action, though seemingly strange for someone who was sinless, served as an example for his followers and an act of obedience to the will of God. It also signified the beginning of his public ministry, where he would take on the sins of the world and die for the salvation of humanity.
Matthew 3:14
But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
John recognizes the authority of Jesus and feels unworthy to baptize him. He expresses his reluctance to perform the baptism, feeling that he is not deserving of such an honor. John recognizes that Jesus is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire (verse 11), and so he questions why Jesus would need to be baptized by him.
Matthew 3:15
And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
Jesus explains why it is important for him to be baptized, despite being sinless. He says, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Jesus’ baptism was an act of obedience to God’s will, a symbol of his solidarity with humanity, and a way of foreshadowing his death and resurrection.
Matthew 3:16
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
After Jesus is baptized, “he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.” This event symbolizes the Holy Spirit coming upon Jesus and empowering him for his ministry. It also signifies the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and God’s affirmation of him as his beloved son.
Matthew 3:17
And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Is the climax of the story, where a voice from heaven declares, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” This is God’s public proclamation of Jesus’ identity as his beloved Son and his divine approval of Jesus’ mission on earth. This moment is significant because it reveals to those present that Jesus is more than just a man, but is indeed the Son of God, with divine authority and power.
Matthew 3 King James Version
1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 4 And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, 6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: 9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: 12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. 13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
