Commentaries:
People's Commentary (NT)
Matthew 3:16
And Jesus, when he was baptized. The baptism took place in the river
Jordan, and was doubtless by immersion. Dr. Whitney, of the Church of
England, on this passage, says:
``The observation of the Greek Church is this, that he who
ascended out of the water must first descend into it.
Baptism is therefore to be performed, not by sprinkling, but
by washing the body.'
Dr. Schaff, the great Pedo-baptist scholars, says:
``While the validity of baptism does not depend on the quantity
or quality of water, or the mode of its application, yet
immersion and emersion is the primitive and expressive mode
to symbolize the idea of entire spiritual purification and
renovation.'
Dr. Schaff also says:
``The Greek word "baptize" is derived from a root that means
"to dip", "to immerse".'
These views are endorsed by all the great Pedo-baptist scholars.
Went up straightway out of the water. The Revised Version says "from
the water", which is correct, as the preposition is "apo"; yet Mark
uses "ek" in giving the same account (Mark 1:10), which the Revised
Version correctly renders "out of". He went up, praying, as we learn
from Luke 3:21.
Lo, the heavens were opened unto him. The skies were parted,
rolled back, so as to reveal, as it were, the throne of God.
Spirit of God descending like a dove. In form, and not, as some
suppose, in motion merely, which would convey no definite idea. It
descended to anoint him to be Christ.
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
Matthew 3:16
Luke 3:21-22
John 1:32-34
Acts 10:38
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