Bible Commentaries
Matthew 3

Verses 1-17

1-12 Compare Mark 1:1-8, Luke 3:1-18; John 1:6-8; John 1:10-34.

3 The wretched roads in the East were seldom repaired unless in preparation for some royal visitor. To see the peasants employed in removing the stones and straightening the road, and leveling its rough places was a sure sign that some one of high rank was expected. John the baptist was the herald of the King, calling on His subjects to prepare His path before Him (Isaiah 40:3).

4 There is no reason why this should not be taken literally. The Arabs of those regions still feed on locusts. The American Indians of the western deserts have been known to subsist for weeks on locusts alone. The insect was included among those which it was lawful for a Jew to eat (Leviticus 11:22). The monks of the dark ages thought this incredible, so they planted locust trees near the grotto in the desert which was supposed to be John's home. The carob is also found in this region and pilgrims have given it the name “St. John's bread” in order to shield him from the charge of eating insects.'

6 Baptism, or ceremonial washing, was a recognized rite in the Jewish ritual. It was usually performed by the person himself. Since Moses consecrated Aaron and his sons (Exodus 29:4) no one did it for another. The priests washed themselves at the laver (Exodus 40:31) Defiled clothes were to be washed by the man himself (Leviticus 11:40). Naaman dipped himself in the Jordan (2 Kings 5:14). But, because John did the baptizing, he was called “the baptist”.

7 John came in the spirit and power of Elijah (Matthew 11:14; Luke 1:17). The superficial ceremonial without a corresponding condition of the heart was offensive to his spirit. He loathed hypocrisy. So he refused to baptize the religious zealots whose lives were not in accord with their profession. True repentance alone could avail to prepare them for the Coming One. Water could only symbolize the inward cleansing. It was not a substitute.

9 Compare John 8:33-39.

11 See Acts 1:5; Acts 11:16; Acts 19:1-4).

11 There are three baptisms here, water, spirit, and fire. John used water only. This method was continued during our Lord's ministry. But after His resurrection He told them “John, indeed, baptizes in water, yet you shall be baptized in holy spirit after not many of these days (Acts 1:5). From Pentecost onward two baptisms obtained. At first, those who were baptized in water received the baptism of the spirit also. Cornelius received the spirit before he was baptized in water (Acts 10:44-48). Now there is only one baptism (Ephesians 4:5). In one spirit we all were baptized into one body (1 Corinthians 12:13). It is for cleansing, not for power.

12 The baptism of fire is the burning of the chaff. Such was the only baptism which the Pharisees and Sadducees deserved. Those whom He does not baptize in holy spirit, in grace, He will baptize in fire, in judgment. All of this is eonian, and does not determine their ultimate destiny after the eons have passed by.

13-17 Compare Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22.

13 The Lord needed no cleansing, for He had no sin. But He needed to identify Himself with those who were cleansed. It was a foreglimpse of His baptism on Golgotha, when He became sin for the sake of His own.

16-17 Compare John 1:32-34.

16 As God's Spirit has no material form it is figured to us in various ways, which suggest its force and significance. It is usually presented as a blast of air, for this is the primary meaning of the word pneuma, or spirit (John 3:8 Acts 2:2 Hebrews 1:7). Other spirits are represented as torches (Revelation 4:5), and horns or eyes (Revelation 5:6) to indicate their power and perception. Unclean spirits are figured as frogs (Revelation 16:13). The exquisite picture presented to the spiritual Israelite by the descending dove is largely lost on us. Our Lord Himself commended their artlessness to the emulation of His disciples. But doubtless a deeper thought lay in its universal use for sacrifice, especially by the poor. When He was presented to the Lord they offered two squabs of the doves (Luke 2:24). The Spirit of God endues Him with power for the proclamation of the kingdom, not by presenting Him with a sword and mace, not by mounting Him on a white horse or crowning Him with a diadem, but by investing Him with the far more godlike powers of gentleness, artlessness, and sacrifice.