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Matthew 3

Matt 3, Mt 3


Matthew 3

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

2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

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.

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.

5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,

6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

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?

8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

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.



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.

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:

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.

13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

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.

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:

17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

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Summary and the meaning of Matthew Chapter 3 in the KJV Holy Bible

Matthew Chapter 3 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible presents a significant turning point in the narrative of Jesus Christ's life. This chapter introduces the figure of John the Baptist, a quintessential character who plays a crucial role in the unfolding of Jesus' ministry. The chapter is composed of seventeen verses, each carrying a profound message about repentance, divine judgment, the kingdom of heaven, and the baptism of Jesus Christ. The primary themes focus on the call to repentance, the symbolism of baptism, the prophecy of the coming Messiah, and the divine confirmation of Jesus as God's son.

John the Baptist and the Call to Repentance

The chapter commences with the introduction of John the Baptist, a charismatic prophet who emerges in the wilderness of Judea. John's appearance marks the fulfillment of the prophecy from the Book of Isaiah, which states, "the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight" (Matthew 3:3). John's primary message to the people is a call for repentance, a turning away from sin, symbolized by the act of baptism. His call to repentance is not merely a personal transformation, but a collective reorientation towards God. This theme of repentance is a foundational principle in Christian teachings and signifies a conscious decision to forsake sinful behavior and turn towards God's righteousness. John's call to repentance is a reminder of the imminent arrival of the kingdom of heaven, a divine reality that requires preparedness and moral rectitude.

Baptism as a Symbol of Spiritual Purification

John baptizes people in the Jordan River, a significant act that symbolizes the washing away of sins and spiritual rebirth. Baptism is more than a mere ritual; it is a profound spiritual practice that signifies the believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. It serves as a public declaration of one's faith and commitment to Christ. In John's context, baptism is a preparatory act for the coming Messiah, a means of preparing the people for the advent of the kingdom of heaven. However, John is quick to distinguish his baptism with water from the baptism that the coming Messiah will administer. He states that while he baptizes with water, the one who comes after him will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, indicating a more profound, transformative experience.

Prophecy of the Coming Messiah

John prophesies about the coming Messiah who is mightier than him and who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. This prophecy signifies the arrival of a new era, a divine intervention that will transform the spiritual landscape. The imagery of the Holy Spirit and fire suggests a dual function of the Messiah - to purify and to judge. The Holy Spirit is often associated with empowerment and sanctification, while fire symbolizes purification and judgment. John further illustrates this with the metaphor of the winnowing fork, where the Messiah will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire. This metaphor underscores the Messiah's role as a divine judge who will separate the righteous from the unrighteous.

The Baptism of Jesus Christ and Divine Confirmation

The climax of the chapter is the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist. Jesus' baptism is a significant event as it marks the inauguration of his public ministry. John initially hesitates to baptize Jesus, recognizing his superior status. However, Jesus insists on being baptized to "fulfill all righteousness", signifying his complete obedience to God's will. Jesus' baptism is not for repentance, as he is without sin, but a model for believers and a manifestation of his solidarity with humanity.

The baptism of Jesus is accompanied by a divine confirmation of his sonship. As Jesus emerges from the water, the heavens open, and the Spirit of God descends like a dove, alighting on him. A voice from heaven proclaims, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17). This divine confirmation affirms Jesus' identity as God's son and signifies God's approval of Jesus. It also fortifies the trinitarian concept of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

In conclusion, Matthew Chapter 3 presents fundamental concepts in Christianity: repentance, baptism, prophecy, and divine confirmation. The chapter serves as a bridge, transitioning from the Old Testament prophecies to the New Testament fulfillment in Jesus Christ. It highlights the importance of spiritual preparedness, the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, and the affirmation of Jesus as the Son of God. These themes are not only relevant to the narrative of Jesus' life but also hold profound implications for Christian belief and practice.



This article is informed by the King James Version of the Holy Bible, the authors' personal knowledge, considerations and experience, and additional materials and resources available in internet.

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