John prepares the way
Matthew 3:1–12FocusRepentance and coming judgment
Connection to the wholeJohn calls for repentance that bears fruit and directs attention beyond himself to the mightier one who is coming.
interpretation Matthew 3:17
KJVAnd lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Read it in context
The Baptism of Jesus
Start reading at Matthew 3:1 (Matthew 3:1 to Matthew 3:17).
The account of Jesus' baptism is the culmination of John the Baptist's ministry, which begins at Matthew 3:1.
- 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
- 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
- 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
- 3:4 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.
- 3:5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
- 3:6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
- 3:7 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 wrath to come?
- 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
- 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
- 3:10 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.
- 3:11 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 Holy Ghost, and with fire:
- 3:12 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.
- 3:13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
- 3:14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
- 3:15 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.
- 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 God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
- 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 3:1–3:17): John the Baptist addresses those coming to him, including Pharisees and Sadducees; Jesus then comes to John for baptism. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the main event or theme? God's declaration of Jesus as His beloved Son immediately following Jesus' baptism.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing Jesus as His beloved Son, in whom He is well pleased. This declaration comes from heaven.
- What is the literary style? Gospel narrative.
When
- When was it written? c. A.D. 50 to 70.
- When does the event take place? This event takes place around A.D. 30, following Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist.
Where
- Where did it happen? At the Jordan River, where Jesus was baptized by John.
- Where was the author located? Judea or Antioch.
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13 to Matthew 3:17). Start reading at Matthew 3:1. The account of Jesus' baptism is the culmination of John the Baptist's ministry, which begins at Matthew 3:1.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse concludes the account of Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist, marking the beginning of Jesus' public ministry with a divine affirmation. It follows John's preaching of repentance and the coming of one mightier than himself. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? This passage directly identifies Jesus as God's beloved Son, affirming His unique relationship with God and His divine mission. God's declaration of being 'well pleased' with Jesus highlights His perfect obedience and righteousness. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers today can find assurance and direction in God's clear affirmation of Jesus. Understanding Jesus as God's beloved Son, in whom God is well pleased, encourages faith and obedience to Him. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 3:13, Matthew 3:16, Matthew 3:17
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Other accounts of this event
The baptism of Jesus
Parallel accounts
These passages describe overlapping parts of the same event. Each account retains its own wording and emphasis.
Related passages
- lo John 5:37 John 12:28-30 Rev 14:2
- This Matt 12:18 Matt 17:5 Ps 2:7 Isa 42:1,21 Mark 9:7 Luke 9:35 Eph 1:6 Col 1:13
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 3
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
FocusRighteousness and divine testimony
Connection to the wholeJesus' baptism leads into the testimony accompanying it and prepares the transition to His temptation and public ministry.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
FocusOrigins and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe genealogy, birth, baptism, and temptation establish Jesus' identity and mission before His public preaching expands.
interpretation The kingdom proclaimed
Matthew 4:17–7:29FocusMinistry and the mountain discourse
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.
interpretation Authority and mission
Matthew 8:1–10:42FocusWorks of mercy and sent disciples
Connection to the wholeHealings and other mighty works display Jesus' authority; He then commissions disciples and prepares them for opposition.
interpretation Responses to the kingdom
Matthew 11:1–13:58FocusOpposition, revelation, and parables
Connection to the wholeContrasting responses to Jesus lead into parables that explain hearing, growth, judgment, and the kingdom's value.
interpretation Following the Messiah
Matthew 14:1–18:35FocusIdentity, suffering, and community
Connection to the wholeJesus teaches disciples about His coming suffering and about humility, care for others, correction, and forgiveness.
interpretation Jerusalem and accountability
Matthew 19:1–25:46FocusConflict, judgment, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe journey to Jerusalem and temple disputes lead into warnings about judgment and the need for faithful readiness.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and commission
Matthew 26:1–28:20FocusThe crucified and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion and resurrection bring the narrative to the commission to teach all nations and obey His commands.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.