Luke 3

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, Kingdom: Acts 26:30. Parallel theme: Luke 2:1, Genesis 49:10, Matthew 14:1, 14:3, 27:2, Mark 6:17, Acts 4:27, 23:26, 24:27 +5

2 Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the wordWord: λόγος (Logos). The Greek Logos (Λόγος) means word, reason, or message—the rational principle underlying reality. John identifies Christ as the eternal Logos: 'In the beginning was the Word' (John 1:1). of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. References God: Isaiah 40:3. References John: Matthew 11:7, Acts 4:6. Word: Jonah 1:1, Micah 1:1, Zephaniah 1:1. Parallel theme: Luke 1:80, Matthew 26:3, John 1:23, 18:24 +5

3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; Sin: Luke 1:77

4 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint., make his paths straight. Prophecy: Matthew 3:3, John 1:23. References Lord: Mark 1:3. Parallel theme: Isaiah 62:10, Malachi 4:6, John 1:7

5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; Creation: Isaiah 40:4, Ezekiel 17:24. Parallel theme: Isaiah 42:16, 45:2, 49:11, James 1:9

6 And all flesh shall see the salvationSalvation: σωτηρία (Soteria). The Greek soteria (σωτηρία) denotes salvation, deliverance, or preservation—rescue from sin's penalty and power. It encompasses justification, sanctification, and glorification. of God. Salvation: Isaiah 49:6, 52:10. Parallel theme: Isaiah 40:5, Romans 10:12, 10:18

7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrathWrath: ὀργή (Orgē). The Greek orgē (ὀργή) means wrath—settled, righteous anger against sin. Believers are 'saved from wrath through him' (Romans 5:9), as Christ bore God's wrath on the cross, satisfying divine justice. to come? Judgment: 1 Thessalonians 1:10. Parallel theme: Genesis 3:15, Isaiah 59:5, Matthew 12:34, 23:33, John 8:44, Acts 13:10, Hebrews 6:18, 1 John 3:8 +4

8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. Resurrection: Philippians 1:11. References God: Matthew 21:43. Repentance: Acts 26:20. References Abraham: John 8:33, Romans 4:16, 9:7. Parallel theme: Luke 19:40 +2

9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Good: Matthew 3:10, 7:19. Parallel theme: Luke 13:7, 13:9, Ezekiel 31:18, Daniel 4:14, 4:23, John 15:6, Hebrews 12:29 +4

10 And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? Parallel theme: Luke 3:8, 3:14, Acts 2:37, 16:30

11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. Parallel theme: Luke 11:41, 18:22, Daniel 4:27, Matthew 25:40, 1 Timothy 6:18, James 1:27, 1 John 3:17, 4:20 +3

12 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? Baptism: Luke 7:29

13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. Parallel theme: Luke 19:8, Micah 6:8, Matthew 7:12, 1 Corinthians 6:10, Ephesians 4:28

14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages. Parallel theme: Luke 19:8, Exodus 20:16, 23:1, Leviticus 19:11, Philippians 4:11

John Announces the Coming One

15 And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; References Christ: John 10:24

16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the HolyHoly: ἅγιος (Hagios). The Greek hagios (ἅγιος) denotes holiness—moral purity and separation unto God. Believers are called 'saints' (hagioi), those set apart for God through Christ's sanctifying work. Ghost and with fire: Holy: Matthew 3:11, John 1:33, Acts 1:5, 2:33. Baptism: John 1:26. Spirit: Proverbs 1:23, Isaiah 4:4, 32:15, 1 Corinthians 12:13. Parallel theme: Zechariah 13:9 +5

17 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable. Parallel theme: Psalms 1:4, Isaiah 30:24, Jeremiah 15:7, Micah 4:12, Matthew 3:12, 13:30

18 And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people. Parallel theme: Acts 2:40

19 But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done, Parallel theme: Luke 3:1

20 Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.

The Baptism of Jesus

21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heavenHeaven: οὐρανός (Ouranos). The Greek ouranos (οὐρανός) denotes heaven—God's throne and the believer's eternal home. Jesus taught His disciples to pray 'Our Father which art in heaven' (Matthew 6:9) and promised to prepare a place there (John 14:2). was opened,

22 And the HolyHoly: ἅγιος (Hagios). The Greek hagios (ἅγιος) denotes holiness—moral purity and separation unto God. Believers are called 'saints' (hagioi), those set apart for God through Christ's sanctifying work. Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. Love: Matthew 3:17, 12:18, 17:5. Spirit: Isaiah 42:1, John 1:32. Holy: Acts 10:38. Parallel theme: Luke 4:21, Psalms 2:7, Colossians 1:13, 1 Peter 2:4 +5

The Genealogy of Jesus

23 And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli, References Jesus: Matthew 1:16, 4:17, John 6:42, Acts 1:1. Parallel theme: Luke 4:22, Genesis 41:46, Numbers 4:3, Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3 +4

24 Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph,

25 Which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Amos, which was the son of Naum, which was the son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge,

26 Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda,

27 Which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabel, which was the son of Salathiel, which was the son of Neri, Parallel theme: Matthew 1:12

28 Which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Addi, which was the son of Cosam, which was the son of Elmodam, which was the son of Er,

29 Which was the son of Jose, which was the son of Eliezer, which was the son of Jorim, which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi,

30 Which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Jonan, which was the son of Eliakim,

31 Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David, References David: Zechariah 12:12. Parallel theme: 2 Samuel 5:14, 1 Chronicles 3:5, 14:4

32 Which was the son of Jesse, which was the son of Obed, which was the son of Booz, which was the son of Salmon, which was the son of Naasson,

33 Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda,

34 Which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the son of Abraham, which was the son of Thara, which was the son of Nachor, References Abraham: Genesis 21:3. Parallel theme: Genesis 25:26

35 Which was the son of Saruch, which was the son of Ragau, which was the son of Phalec, which was the son of Heber, which was the son of Sala,

36 Which was the son of Cainan, which was the son of Arphaxad, which was the son of Sem, which was the son of Noe, which was the son of Lamech,

37 Which was the son of Mathusala, which was the son of Enoch, which was the son of Jared, which was the son of Maleleel, which was the son of Cainan,

38 Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally.. References God: Genesis 2:7. Parallel theme: Isaiah 64:8, 1 Corinthians 15:45, 15:47