Matthew 3

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, References John: Matthew 11:7, 11:11, 16:14, Luke 7:24, Acts 1:22. Parallel theme: Matthew 3:8, Mark 1:15, Luke 1:76 +3

2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of 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). is at hand. Kingdom: Matthew 4:17, 6:10, 10:7, Daniel 2:44, Mark 1:15. Repentance: Luke 13:3, 15:10, 24:47, Acts 3:19, 2 Corinthians 7:10 +5

3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophetProphet: προφήτης (Prophētēs). The Greek prophētēs (προφήτης) denotes a prophet—one who speaks forth God's message. Jesus was recognized as 'a prophet mighty in deed and word' (Luke 24:19), fulfilling and surpassing the prophetic office. Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Prophecy: Luke 1:76, John 1:23. References Lord: Isaiah 40:3, Malachi 3:1, Mark 1:3, Luke 1:17

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. References John: Mark 1:6. Parallel theme: Matthew 11:8, Leviticus 11:22, 2 Kings 1:8, Zechariah 13:4, Malachi 4:5, Luke 1:17 +2

5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, References Jerusalem: Mark 1:5. Parallel theme: Luke 3:7, 16:16, John 3:23, 5:35

6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. Sin: 1 John 1:9. Baptism: Matthew 3:11. Parallel theme: Acts 19:18, Hebrews 9:10

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 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? Resurrection: Matthew 16:6, 22:23. Judgment: Romans 1:18, 5:9, 1 Thessalonians 1:10. Parallel theme: Matthew 12:34, 23:33, Jeremiah 6:10, 51:6, 1 John 3:10 +5

8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: Repentance: Matthew 21:32, Jeremiah 26:13, Luke 3:8, Acts 26:20. Parallel theme: Jeremiah 36:3, Ephesians 5:9, Philippians 1:11 +2

9 And think 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: Luke 3:8. References God: Acts 13:26, 15:14. References Abraham: Ezekiel 33:24, Luke 16:24, John 8:33, 8:53, Romans 4:1. Parallel theme: Mark 7:21, Luke 5:22 +5

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. Good: Matthew 7:19, Luke 3:9. Parallel theme: Matthew 21:19, Psalms 1:3, Jeremiah 17:8, Malachi 4:1, Luke 23:31, John 15:2, 15:6, Hebrews 6:8 +5

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 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: Spirit: Isaiah 4:4, Luke 1:17, 1 Corinthians 12:13. Holy: Luke 3:16, Acts 1:5, Titus 3:5. Baptism: Matthew 3:6. Repentance: Mark 1:4, Acts 19:4. Parallel theme: Zechariah 13:9 +5

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. Parallel theme: Matthew 13:30, 13:41, Psalms 1:4, Isaiah 41:16, Jeremiah 7:20, 15:7, 51:2, Malachi 4:1, Luke 3:17, John 15:2 +5

The Baptism of Jesus

13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. Parallel theme: Matthew 2:22

14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? Parallel theme: Luke 1:43, John 1:16, Romans 3:23, 3:25, Galatians 3:22, 4:6

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. References Jesus: John 4:34. Righteousness: Isaiah 42:21, Luke 1:6. Parallel theme: John 8:29, 13:15, 15:10, Hebrews 7:26, 1 John 2:6 +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 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. descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: References God: Ezekiel 1:1, Acts 7:56. Spirit: Isaiah 11:2, 42:1, 59:21, 61:1, Mark 1:10, John 3:34 +3

17 And lo a voice from 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)., saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Love: Matthew 12:18, 17:5, Mark 1:11, 9:7, Luke 3:22, 9:35, 2 Peter 1:17. Parallel theme: Psalms 2:7, Isaiah 42:1, Colossians 1:13 +5