Matthew 3:1

"Matthew."

Key Reflection

In the first-century Jewish context, the mention of Matthew at the beginning of his gospel immediately situates this text within a tradition of written documents that were increasingly becoming a means to preserve and share religious teachings. For the original audience, seeing their namesake at the start would have reinforced the personal and communal nature of these writings, suggesting that this account was meant not just for a general audience but specifically for those who knew Matthew's story and teaching style.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

MATTHEW CHAPTER 3 Verse 1. In those days. The days here referred to cannot be those mentioned in the preceding chapter, for John was but six months older than Christ. Perhaps Matthew intended to extend his narrative to the whole time that Jesus dwelt at Nazareth; and the meaning is, "in those days while Jesus still dwelt at Nazareth." John began to preach. It is not probable that John began to baptize or preach long before the Saviour entered on his ministry; and, consequently, from the time that is mentioned at the close of the second chapter, to that mentioned in the beginning of the third, an interval of twenty-five or more years elapsed. John the Baptist.

Related Verses

More from Matthew 3

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