See the notes at Matthew 14:1-13. “Added this above all.” To all his former crimes he added this; not implying that this was the “worst” of his acts, but that this was “one” of his deeds, of like character as the others. The event here mentioned did not take place until some time after this, but it is mentioned here to show what was the end of John’s preaching, or to “fill out” the account concerning him. read more
See the notes at Matthew 3:13-17. “Jesus being baptized;” or, Jesus “having been” baptized. This took place after the baptism, and not “during” its administration, Matthew 3:16.Praying - This circumstance is omitted by the other evangelists; and it shows,That Jesus was in the habit of prayer. That it is proper to offer up special prayer at the administration of the ordinances of religion. That it is possible to pray in the midst of a great multitude, yet in secret. The prayer consisted,... read more
Jesus began to be ... - This was the age at which the priests entered on their office, Numbers 4:3, Numbers 4:47; but it is not evident that Jesus had any reference to that in delaying his work to his thirtieth year. He was not subjected to the Levitical law in regard to the priesthood, and it does not appear that prophets and teachers did not commence their work before that age.As was supposed - As was commonly thought, or perhaps being legally reckoned as his son. read more
See, on this genealogy, the notes at Matthew 1:1-16. read more
A.M. 4030. A.D. 26. In this chapter we have, (1,) The beginning of John’s baptism, and the scope and intention of it, Luke 3:1-6 . (2,) His exhortation to the multitude, and the particular instructions he gave to those who desired to be informed of their duty to God and man, Luke 3:7-14 . (3,) The notice he gave them of the approach of the Messiah, Luke 3:15-18 ; to which is added, (though it happened after what follows,) the mention of his imprisonment, Luke 3:19 , Luke 3:20 . ... read more
Luke 3:1-2. Now in the fifteenth year of Tiberius Reckoning from the time when Augustus made him his colleague in the empire: Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea He was made governor in consequence of Archelaus being banished, and his kingdom reduced into a Roman province. See note on Matthew 2:22. And Herod Namely, Herod Antipas; being tetrarch of Galilee The dominions of Herod the Great were, after his death, divided into four parts or tetrarchies: this Herod, his son, reigned... read more
Luke 3:3-6. And he came into all the country about Jordan He made his first public appearance in the wilderness of Judea, Matthew 3:1; that is, in the uncultivated and thinly-inhabited parts of the hill-country round Hebron, where his father dwelt; Luke 1:39-40; but after his fame was spread abroad, and many came to him, he left Judea and passed over Jordan, residing chiefly at Bethabara, for the conveniency of baptizing, John 1:28; John 10:40. He travelled, however, through all that... read more
Luke 3:7-9. Then said he to the multitude, O generation of vipers See note on Matthew 3:7. Bring forth, therefore, fruits worthy of repentance The Baptist did not stop at preaching repentance, and rest satisfied with the people’s making a profession thereof, but he insisted on the necessity of their bringing forth fruits suitable to such a profession, or a thorough reformation of their conduct in all respects. See this explained particularly in the notes on Matthew 3:8-10. Begin not to... read more
Luke 3:10-14. And the people asked him, What shall we do then? To avoid the judgments of God. He answereth, He that hath two coats, &c. Be careful, not only to observe the ceremonies of religion, but to attend to the great duties of justice, mercy, and charity. The sum of all is: Cease to do evil, learn to do well: these are the fruits worthy of repentance. Then came also publicans A set of men whose office it was to collect the taxes which the Romans had imposed on the Jews,... read more
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Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 3:16-18
See the notes at Matthew 3:11-12. read more