Matthew 3

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 3:10

And now also the axe is laid ,.... These words may be rendered, "for now also", and contain in them a reason why they might expect future wrath; why they should bring forth good fruit; and why they should not trust to nor plead their descent from Abraham, because "the axe is now laid": by which is meant, not the Gospel which now began to be preached by John; though this was like an axe laid to the root of, and which cut down, their pride and vanity, their self-confidence and glorying in... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 3:11

I indeed baptize you with water ,.... These words, at first view, look as if they were a continuation of John's discourse with the Pharisees and Sadducees, and as though he had baptized them; whereas by comparing them with what the other Evangelists relate, see Mark 1:5 they are spoken to the people, who, confessing their sins, had been baptized by him; to whom he gives an account of the ordinance of water baptism, of which he was the administrator, in what manner, and on what account he... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 3:12

Whose fan is in his hand ,.... The Jews had their hand fans, and which were like a man's hand; their names were מגוב מעבר מורה ; which, as Maimonides says F14 In Misn. Celim. c. 13. sect. 7. Vid. Jarchi & Bartenora in ib. & in Misn. Tibbul. Yom. c. 4. sect. 6. , were three sorts of instruments used in the floor, in form of a man's hand; with which they cleansed the wheat and barley from the straw; and their names differ according to their form: some have many teeth, and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 3:13

Then cometh Jesus ,.... That is, when John had been some time preaching the doctrine of repentance, and administering the ordinance of baptism; for which, time must be allowed, since he went into all the country about Jordan, and preached unto them, and baptized such large numbers: very probably it might be six months from his first entrance on his ministry; since there was this difference in their age, and so might be in their baptism and preaching. Now when John had given notice of the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 3:14

But John forbad him, saying ,.... It appears from hence, that John knew Christ before he baptized him, and before he saw the Spirit descending and abiding on him, John 1:33 wherefore that was not a signal, whereby he should first know him but whereby his knowledge of him should be confirmed; which knowledge of him he had, not through his kindred to him, or by any conversation he had with him before, but by immediate, divine revelation: upon which account he "forbad him"; refused to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 3:15

And Jesus answering, said unto him ,.... This is an Hebrew way of speaking, often used in the Old Testament, and answers to ויאמר יען ; see Job 3:1 . He replied to John, who had made use of very forbidding words, after this manner, suffer it to be so now ; let me have my request; do not go on to object, but comply with my desire; let it be done now, immediately, directly, at this present time; do not put me off with any excuse; it is a proper season for it, even "now", since the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 3:16

And Jesus, when he was baptized ,.... Christ, when he was baptized by John in the river Jordan, the place where he was baptizing, went up straightway out of the water . One would be at a loss at first sight for a reason why the Evangelist should relate this circumstance; for after the ordinance was administered, why should he stay in the water? what should he do there? Everyone would naturally and reasonably conclude, without the mention of such a circumstance, that as soon as his... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 3:17

And lo, a voice from heaven, saying ,.... At the same time the heavens were opened, and the Spirit of God descended as a dove, and lighted on Christ, and whilst it abode upon him, an extraordinary voice was heard; hence the note of attention and admiration, "lo", is prefixed unto it, as before, to the opening of the heavens; being what was unusual and surprising; and as denoting something to be expressed of great moment and importance. The Jews, in order to render this circumstance less... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 3

John the Baptist begins to preach, Matthew 3:1 . The subject of his preaching, Matthew 3:2 , Matthew 3:3 . Description of his clothing and food, Matthew 3:4 . The success of his ministry, Matthew 3:5 , Matthew 3:6 . His exhortation to the Pharisees, Matthew 3:7-9 . He denounces the judgments of God against the impenitent, Matthew 3:10 . The design of his baptism, and that of Christ, Matthew 3:11 , Matthew 3:12 . He baptizes Christ in Jordan, Matthew 3:13-15 ; who is... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 3:1

John the Baptist - John, surnamed The Baptist, because he required those to be baptized who professed to be contrite because of their sins, was the son of a priest named Zacharias, and his wife Elisabeth, and was born about A. M. 3999, and about six months before our blessed Lord. Of his almost miraculous conception and birth, we have a circumstantial account in the Gospel of Luke, chap. 1: to which, and the notes there, the reader is requested to refer. For his fidelity in reproving Herod... read more

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