Matthew 3:1

Translations

Modern

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea

Traditional

In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea,

Literal

Now in those days John the Baptist comes, preaching in the wilderness of Judea

Latin

In diebus autem illis venit Joannes Baptista prædicans in deserto Judææ,

Original

Greek

English

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea

Notes

Matthew 3:1

John the Baptist announced the arrival of Jesus (see Mark 1:1–11; Luke 3:1–22; John 1:6–8, 19–34). John helped people get ready to welcome him (Matt 3:3). John drew large crowds (3:5) and gathered a group of followers (9:14). This group continued for a short time as a movement, even after the Christian church began (see Acts 18:24–28).

John lived in the Judean wilderness. This was symbolic because the wilderness linked to God giving the law (see Exodus 19:1). It also related to God's final redemption of Israel at the end of time (see Isaiah 40:3).

Theme notes and profiles

John the Baptist

Events

John the Baptist Begins Ministryc. AD 26

Related verses

Isaiah 40:3–6
A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert.
John 1:6–8
There came a man who was sent from God. His name was John.
Luke 1:76
And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him,
Luke 1:13–17
But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.
Matthew 11:11
Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Luke 3:1–20
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, while Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,
Acts 19:3–4
“Into what, then, were you baptized?” Paul asked. “The baptism of John,” they replied.
Acts 13:24–25
Before the arrival of Jesus, John preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
Mark 1:15
“The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!”
Matthew 16:14
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
Mark 1:3–8
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’”
Luke 7:24
After John’s messengers had left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind?

Parallels

Isaiah 40:1–5 Mark 1:1–8 Luke 3:1–20 John 1:19–28

People

John: The Baptist, a prophet who prepared the way for Jesus

Places

Judea: The southern region of Israel, centered around Jerusalem

Glossary

Desert Gospel of Matthew Jesus Christ Wilderness

Topics

Deserts: Judea John: Lives in the Desert John: Ministry of Judea: Wilderness of John the Baptist Preaches In Modern Judea: John the Baptist Preached In Modern Judea: Parts of, Desert Prophecies Respecting Christ: His Being Preceded by John the Baptist: Fulfilled Repentance: The Burden of the Preaching of John the Baptist

Matthew 3:1

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