Matthew 3:3

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Matthew 3:1-6

We have here an account of the preaching and baptism of John, which were the dawning of the gospel-day. Observe, I. The time when he appeared. In those days (Matt. 3:1), or, after those days, long after what was recorded in the foregoing chapter, which left the child Jesus in his infancy. In those days, in the time appointed of the Father for the beginning of the gospel, when the fulness of time was come, which was often thus spoken of in the Old Testament, In those days. Now the last of... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Matthew 3:1-6

3:1-6 In those days John the Baptizer arrived on the scene, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea. "Repent," he said, "for the Kingdom of the Heavens has come near." It was this man who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet when he said, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Make ready the road by which the Lord is coming, and make straight the paths which he must travel!"' John himself wore a garment made from camel's hair, and he had a leathern belt round his waist; and his food was... read more

John Gill

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

For this is he that was spoken of ,.... These are not the words of the Baptist himself, as in John 1:23 but of the Evangelist, who cites and applies to John a passage in the Prophet Isaiah, Isaiah 40:3 and that very pertinently, since that "chapter" is a prophecy of the Messiah. The consolations spoken of in Isaiah 40:3 , were to be in the days of the king Messiah, as a writer of note F25 R. David Kimchi in Isa. xl. 1. among the Jews observes. The Messiah is more expressly... read more

Adam Clarke

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

The voice of one crying in the wilderness - Or, A voice of a crier in the wilderness. This is quoted from Isaiah 40:3 , which clearly proves that John the Baptist was the person of whom the prophet spoke. The idea is taken from the practice of eastern monarchs, who, whenever they entered upon an expedition, or took a journey through a desert country, sent harbingers before them, to prepare all things for their passage; and pioneers to open the passes, to level the ways, and to remove all... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 3:3

Verse 3 Matthew 3:3.The yoke of one crying in the wilderness Though this passage of the prophet Isaiah (40:3) ought not to be limited exclusively to John, yet he is one of the number of those to whom it certainly refers. After having spoken of the destruction of the city, and of the awful calamities that would befall the people, he promises a restoration that would follow. His words are, “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God,” (Isaiah 40:1.) When the temple had been thrown down,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 3:1-3

Preparation for Christ. It was no accident that brought about the conjunction of the mission of John the Baptist with the advent of our Lord. A Divine providence, the purpose of which was declared in an ancient prophecy, connected the two events. The conjunction is shown by that prophecy not to be like one of binary stars. The work of Christ is not associated with that of John. The Baptist is but the forerunner—the pioneer opening up the way for the glorious King. I. PREPARATION FOR ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 3:1-4

The herald. "In those days," viz. while Jesus dwelt at Nazareth, the place of separation and reproach, "came John the Baptist," viz. to herald him. Man's order is to champion that which is popular, God's order is to herald truth. We note— I. THAT JOHN CAME IN THE QUALITY OF ELIJAH . 1 . In this quality he was predicted. 2 . John accordingly behaved like Elijah. (a) John was simply the "voice," Jesus is the "Word." (b) This voice arose out of silence.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 3:1-12

THE HERALD . His public appearance and proclamation ( Matthew 3:1 , Matthew 3:2 ), as foretold by Scripture ( Matthew 3:3 ). His Elijah-like dress ( Matthew 3:4 ). He is listened to by multitudes ( Matthew 3:5 , Matthew 3:6 ). His faithful warning to typical Jews, and his pointing not to himself, but to the Coming One ( Matthew 3:7-12 ). The date at which he appeared is stated, in Luke 3:1 , to have been "in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar; i.e. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 3:1-12

The forerunner. I. HIS ANNOUNCEMENT . 1 . His sudden appearance. It is the first mention of John the Baptist in St. Matthew's Gospel. He flashes upon us suddenly, like his prototype Elijah in the Old Testament. St. Luke tells us of his birth, of his solitary life: he "was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel." Now the time was come. "In those days," St. Matthew says, while the Lord was still at Nazareth, living a family life with brethren and sisters—the children,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 3:1-12

The forerunner. I. JOHN 'S APPEARANCE AND CHARACTER . He claimed to belong to the old prophetic line by appearing clad in the prophetic garb, the single rough garment of skin. His manner of life harmonized with his dress; leaving the comfortable home and well-provided life and fair prospects of a priestly family, he adopted the meagre, comfortless life of an ascetic. To entangle himself with the world would have tended to blind him to its vices and silence his remonstrance. He... read more

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