When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as He was praying, heaven was opened, When all the people were being baptizedThis phrase sets the scene for a significant moment in the ministry of John the Baptist. The Greek word for "baptized" is "βαπτίζω" (baptizō), which means to immerse or submerge. Baptism here symbolizes repentance and preparation for the coming Messiah. Historically, this was a time of great expectation among the Jewish people, who were eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah. The act of baptism by John was a public declaration of repentance and a desire to be cleansed from sin, aligning with the Jewish tradition of ritual purification. Jesus was baptized too
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus, as He identifies with humanity's need for repentance, despite being sinless Himself. The Greek word "Ἰησοῦς" (Iēsous) is the Hellenized form of the Hebrew name Yeshua, meaning "Yahweh is salvation." Jesus' baptism signifies His willingness to fully embrace His mission as the Savior. It also serves as a model for believers, demonstrating the importance of obedience and humility. Theologically, this act foreshadows His death, burial, and resurrection, which are central to the Christian faith. And as He was praying
Prayer is a recurring theme in the Gospel of Luke, highlighting Jesus' intimate relationship with the Father. The Greek word for "praying" is "προσεύχομαι" (proseuchomai), indicating a deep, earnest communication with God. This moment of prayer underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance and strength, especially at significant junctures in life. It also reflects Jesus' dependence on the Father, setting an example for believers to follow in their spiritual journey. heaven was opened
The opening of heaven signifies divine revelation and approval. In the Jewish context, an open heaven represents God's presence and favor. This moment marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, with heaven's affirmation of His identity and mission. The imagery of an open heaven also evokes the prophetic visions of the Old Testament, where God's glory and purposes are revealed to His people. It serves as a reminder of the accessibility of God's grace and the promise of His kingdom breaking into the world. Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is the Son of God who comes to be baptized, marking the beginning of His public ministry. 2. John the BaptistAlthough not mentioned directly in this verse, John is the one performing the baptisms, including that of Jesus. 3. The PeopleThe crowd present at the baptism, representing those who were coming to John for repentance and baptism. 4. HeavenThe realm of God, which opens as a divine sign during Jesus' baptism. 5. The Baptism EventA significant moment marking the inauguration of Jesus' ministry and the divine approval of His mission. Teaching Points The Humility of JesusJesus' willingness to be baptized, despite being sinless, demonstrates His humility and identification with humanity. We are called to emulate His humility in our own lives. The Importance of PrayerJesus was praying as heaven opened. This highlights the importance of prayer in our spiritual lives, inviting divine interaction and guidance. The Affirmation of Jesus' MissionThe opening of heaven signifies God's approval and the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. We should seek God's affirmation in our own callings and missions. The Role of BaptismBaptism is a significant act of obedience and public declaration of faith. It symbolizes repentance and the beginning of a new life in Christ. The Trinity RevealedAlthough not fully detailed in this verse, the subsequent verses reveal the presence of the Trinity: the Father (voice from heaven), the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit (descending like a dove). This underscores the unity and distinct roles within the Godhead. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Jesus' baptism teach us about the importance of humility and obedience in our own spiritual journeys? 2. How can we incorporate prayer into our daily lives to invite God's presence and guidance, as Jesus did during His baptism? 3. In what ways can we seek and recognize God's affirmation in our personal callings and ministries? 4. How does the act of baptism serve as a public declaration of faith, and what does it symbolize in the life of a believer? 5. How does the revelation of the Trinity at Jesus' baptism enhance our understanding of the nature of God and His work in our lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Matthew 3:13-17Provides a parallel account of Jesus' baptism, including the dialogue between Jesus and John the Baptist. Mark 1:9-11Another synoptic account of the baptism, emphasizing the divine voice from heaven. John 1:29-34John the Baptist's testimony about Jesus, identifying Him as the Lamb of God. Isaiah 42:1A prophecy about the Servant of the Lord, which is fulfilled in Jesus, as affirmed by the voice from heaven. Acts 10:38Refers to God anointing Jesus with the Holy Spirit, which begins at His baptism. | Christ and John | F. Godet, D. D. | Luke 3:21 | | Christ Praying | B. Wilkinson, F. G. S., T. Taylor, D. D. | Luke 3:21 | | Christ Submitting to Baptism | F. Godet, D. D. | Luke 3:21 | | Christ's Baptism Gives Virtue to Ours | Bishop Hall. | Luke 3:21 | | Conduct Without Prayer | Bishop Cowper., T. Taylor, D. D. | Luke 3:21 | | In Semblance of a Dove | T. Gamble. | Luke 3:21 | | Jesus Baptized | Canon Vernon Hutton, M. A. | Luke 3:21 | | John's Baptism Reached its Fullest Expression in Christ's Submission to It | N. R. Wood. | Luke 3:21 | | Meeting of Jesus with John | H. R. Haweis, M. A. | Luke 3:21 | | The Achievements of Youth | Lord Beaconsfield. | Luke 3:21 | | The Baptism of Christ | N. R. Wood. | Luke 3:21 | | The Baptism of Christ | Stopford A. Brooke, M. A. | Luke 3:21 | | The Baptism of Christ | T. Taylor, D. D. | Luke 3:21 | | The Baptism of Christ | C. Bradley, M. A. | Luke 3:21 | | The Baptism of Jesus | D. Longwill. | Luke 3:21 | | The Divine Spirit in the Ministry | J. Taylor, D. D. | Luke 3:21 | | The Divine Trinity Engaged in Redemption | Bishop Cowper. | Luke 3:21 | | The Dove-Like Descent of the Spirit on Christ | J. Lathrop. D. D. | Luke 3:21 | | The Holy Ghost as Dove | S. A. Tipple. | Luke 3:21 | | The Holy Spirit Descending Like a Dove | J. N. Norton, D. D. | Luke 3:21 | | The Holy Spirit Like a Dove | J. Taylor, D. D. | Luke 3:21 | | The Inauguration | J. Parker, D. D. | Luke 3:21 | | The Inauguration of Christ | G. S. Barrett, B. A. | Luke 3:21 | | The People Were Baptized | Bishop Cowper. | Luke 3:21 | | The Scene of Christ's Baptism | N. R. Wood. | Luke 3:21 | | The Significance of Christ's Baptism | E. B. Pusey, D. D. | Luke 3:21 | | The Spirit Likened to a Dove | J. Lathrop. D. D. | Luke 3:21 | | The Spirit of God Like unto Himself | J. Taylor, D. D. | Luke 3:21 | | The Voice from Heaven | T. Taylor, D. D. | Luke 3:21 | | Years of Silence and Preparation | E. R. Conder, D. D., Bishop Harvey Goodwin., F. Jacox. | Luke 3:21 | | God's Good Pleasure in Us | W. Clarkson | Luke 3:21, 22 | | The Baptism and Genealogy of Jesus | R.M. Edgar | Luke 3:21-38 |
People Adam, Addi, Aminadab, Amminadab, Amos, Annas, Aram, Arphaxad, Boaz, Booz, Caiaphas, Cainan, Cosam, David, Eber, Eli, Eliakim, Eliezer, Elmodam, Enoch, Enos, Enosh, Er, Esaias, Esli, Esrom, Heber, Heli, Herod, Herodias, Hezron, Isaac, Isaiah, Jacob, Janna, Jared, Jesse, Jesus, Joanna, Johanan, John, Jonan, Jorim, Jose, Joseph, Joses, Joshua, Judas, Kenan, Lamech, Levi, Lysanias, Maath, Mahalaleel, Mahath, Maleleel, Mathusala, Mattatha, Mattathias, Matthat, Melchi, Melea, Menan, Methuselah, Naasson, Nachor, Nagge, Nahor, Nahshon, Nahum, Nathan, Naum, Neri, Noah, Noe, Obed, Peleg, Perez, Phalec, Phares, Pharez, Philip, Pilate, Ragau, Reu, Rhesa, Sala, Salah, Salathiel, Salmon, Saruch, Sem, Semei, Serug, Seth, Shealtiel, Shelah, Shem, Simeon, Terah, Thara, Tiberius, Zacharias, Zechariah, Zerubbabel, ZorobabelPlaces Galilee, Ituraea, Jordan River, Judea, TrachonitisTopics Baptised, Baptism, Baptized, Heaven, Open, Opened, Pass, Prayer, Praying, SkyDictionary of Bible Themes Luke 3:21 2036 Christ, humility Luke 3:19-21 5098 John the Baptist Luke 3:21-22 1085 God, love of
1513 Trinity, mission of
2360 Christ, prayers of
2422 gospel, confirmation
2510 Christ, baptism of
3212 Holy Spirit, and mission
4293 water
7906 baptism, in Gospels
7967 spiritual gifts, responsibility
9411 heaven Luke 3:21-38 2078 Christ, sonship of Library St John the Baptist
Chester Cathedral. 1872. St Luke iii. 2, 3, 7, 9-14. "The Word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. . . . Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance. . . . And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the …
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other SermonsJohn the Preacher of Repentance
'Now, in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Cesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, 2. Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness. 3. And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; 4. As it is written …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture John's Witness to Jesus, and God's
'And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; 16. John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: 17. Whose fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor, and will gather the wheat into His garner; but the chaff He will burn with fire unquenchable. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture John's Rebuke of Herod.
Preached May 15, 1853. JOHN'S REBUKE OF HEROD. "But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done, added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison,"--Luke iii. 19, 20. The life of John the Baptist divides itself into three distinct periods. Of the first we are told almost nothing, but we may conjecture much. We are told that he was in the deserts till his showing unto Israel. It was a period probably, in which, …
Frederick W. Robertson—Sermons Preached at Brighton Elucidations.
I. (In the body of a dove, cap. iii. p. 523.) The learned John Scott, in his invaluable work The Christian Life, [7283] identifies the glory shed upon the Saviour at his baptism, with that mentioned by Ezekiel (Cap. xliii. 2) and adds: "In this same glorious splendor was Christ arrayed first at his Baptism and afterward at his Transfiguration....By the Holy Ghost's descending like a Dove, it is not necessary we should understand his descending in the shape or form of a Dove, but that in some glorious …
Tertullian— On the Flesh of Christ Genealogy According to Luke.
^C Luke III. 23-38. ^c 23 And Jesus himself [Luke has been speaking about John the Baptist, he now turns to speak of Jesus himself], when he began to teach, was about thirty years of age [the age when a Levite entered upon God's service--Num. iv. 46, 47], being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son [this may mean that Jesus was grandson of Heli, or that Joseph was counted as a son of Heli because he was his son-in-law] of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Appendix vii. On the Date of the Nativity of Our Lord
So much, that is generally accessible, has of late been written on this subject, and such accord exists on the general question, that only the briefest statement seems requisite in this place, the space at our command being necessarily reserved for subjects which have either not been treated of by previous writers, or in a manner or form that seemed to make a fresh investigation desirable. At the outset it must be admitted, that absolute certainty is impossible as to the exact date of Christ's Nativity …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Fate of the Enemies of Jesus.
According to the calculation we adopt, the death of Jesus happened in the year 33 of our era.[1] It could not, at all events, be either before the year 29, the preaching of John and Jesus having commenced in the year 28,[2] or after the year 35, since in the year 36, and probably before the passover, Pilate and Kaiapha both lost their offices.[3] The death of Jesus appears, moreover, to have had no connection whatever with these two removals.[4] In his retirement, Pilate probably never dreamt for …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus Jesus at Capernaum.
Beset by an idea, gradually becoming more and more imperious and exclusive, Jesus proceeds henceforth with a kind of fatal impassibility in the path marked out by his astonishing genius and the extraordinary circumstances in which he lived. Hitherto he had only communicated his thoughts to a few persons secretly attracted to him; henceforward his teaching was sought after by the public. He was about thirty years of age.[1] The little group of hearers who had accompanied him to John the Baptist had, …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus The Distinction of the Holy Spirit from the Father and from his Son, Jesus Christ.
We have seen thus far that the Holy Spirit is a Person and a Divine Person. And now another question arises, Is He as a Person separate and distinct from the Father and from the Son? One who carefully studies the New Testament statements cannot but discover that beyond a question He is. We read in Luke iii. 21, 22, "Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon …
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit The Doubting Soul More Particularly Assisted in Its Inquiries as to the Sincerity of Its Faith and Repentance.
1. Transient impressions liable to be mistaken for conversion, which would be a fatal error.--2. General scheme for self-examination.--3. Particular inquiries--what views there have been of sin?--4. What views there have been of Christ?--5. As to the need the soul has of him;--6. And its willingness to receive him with a due surrender of heart to his service.--7. Nothing short of this sufficient. The soul submitting to Divine examination the sincerity of its faith and repentance. 1. IN consequence …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul A New Age and New Standards
As the Kingdom Comes Ethical Standards Must Advance Every approximation to the Reign of God in humanity demands an advance in the social relations of men, that is, an advance in ethics. Every really epochal advance must have it or slip back. There must be, first, better obedience to the moral principles already recognized and accepted by society; second, an expansion of the sway of ethical duty to new fields and wider groups of humanity; and third, a recognition of new duties and the assimilation …
Walter Rauschenbusch—The Social Principles of Jesus Luke.
Lucas, Evangelii el medicinae munera pandens; Artibus hinc, illinc religione, valet: Utilis ille labor, per quem vixere tot aegri; Utilior, per quem tot didicere mori!" Critical and Biographical Schleiermacher: Ueber die Schriften des Lukas. Berlin, 1817. Reprinted in the second vol. of his Sämmtliche Werke, Berlin, 1836 (pp. 1-220). Translated by Bishop Thirlwall, London, 1825. James Smith (of Jordanhill, d. 1867): Dissertation on the Life and Writings of St. Luke, prefixed to his Voyage and …
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I The First Ministry of the Baptist.
(LUKE III.) "Hark, what a sound, and too divine for hearing, Stirs on the earth and trembles in the air! Is it the thunder of the Lord's appearing? Is it the music of his people's prayer? "Surely He cometh, and a thousand voices Shout to the saints, and to the deaf and dumb; Surely He cometh, and the earth rejoices, Glad in his coming who hath sworn, I come." F. W. H. MYERS. The Preaching of Repentance--His Power as a Preacher--His Message--Warning of Impending Judgment--The Wages of Sin Thirty …
F. B. Meyer—John the Baptist Pontius Pilate
BY REV. PRINCIPAL WALTER F. ADENEY, D.D. In spite of the fact that he condemned Jesus to death, the Gospels present us a more favourable portrait of Pontius Pilate than that which we derive from secular historians. Josephus relates incidents that reveal him as the most insolent and provoking of governors. For instance, the Jewish historian ascribes to him a gratuitous insult, the story of which shows its perpetrator to have been as weak as he was offensive. It was customary for Roman armies to …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known Questions.
LESSON I. 1. In what state was the Earth when first created? 2. To what trial was man subjected? 3. What punishment did the Fall bring on man? 4. How alone could his guilt be atoned for? A. By his punishment being borne by one who was innocent. 5. What was the first promise that there should be such an atonement?--Gen. iii. 15. 6. What were the sacrifices to foreshow? 7. Why was Abel's offering the more acceptable? 8. From which son of Adam was the Seed of the woman to spring? 9. How did Seth's …
Charlotte Mary Yonge—The Chosen People Quirinius the Governor of Syria
WE come now to the last serious difficulty in Luke's account of the "First Enrollment". He says that it occurred while Quirinius was administering Syria. The famous administration of Syria by Quirinius lasted from about AD. 6 to 9; and during that time occurred the" Great Enrollment" and valuation of property in Palestine. [94] Obviously the incidents described by Luke are irreconcilable with that date. There was found near Tibur (Tivoli) in AD. 1764 a fragment of marble with part of an inscription, …
Sir William Mitchell Ramsay—Was Christ Born in Bethlehem? One Argument which Has Been Much Relied Upon but not More than Its Just Weight...
One argument which has been much relied upon (but not more than its just weight deserves) is the conformity of the facts occasionally mentioned or referred to in Scripture with the state of things in those times, as represented by foreign and independent accounts; which conformity proves, that the writers of the New Testament possessed a species of local knowledge which could belong only to an inhabitant of that country and to one living in that age. This argument, if well made out by examples, is …
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity Second Stage of the Roman Trial. Jesus Before Herod Antipas.
(Jerusalem. Early Friday Morning.) ^C Luke XXIII. 6-12. ^c 6 But when Pilate heard it [when he heard that Jesus had begun his operations in Galilee], he asked whether the man were a Galilaean. 7 And when he knew that he was of Herod's jurisdiction [Herod was tetrarch of Galilee--Luke iii. 1], he sent him unto Herod, who himself also ["also" includes both Pilate and Herod, neither of whom lived at Jerusalem] was at Jerusalem in these days. ["These days" refers to the passover season. Pilate had come …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Messianic Call
Matt. iii. 13 TO iv. 11; Mark i. 9-13; Luke iii. 21, 22; iv. 1-13; John i. 30-34 85. In the circle about John all classes of the people were represented: Pharisees and Sadducees, jealous of innovation and apprehensive of popular excitement; publicans and soldiers, interested in the new preacher or touched in conscience; outcasts who came in penitence, and devout souls in consecration. The wonder of the new message was carried throughout the land and brought great multitudes to the Jordan. Jesus …
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth Private Property and the Common Good
Private Property Must Serve Social Welfare A glance across history or a simple acquaintance with human life in any community will show us that private property is at the same time a necessary expression of personality and stimulator of character, and, on the other hand, a chief outlet and fortification of selfishness. Every reformatory effort must aim to conserve and spread the blessings of property, and every step toward a better social order will be pugnaciously blocked by its selfish beneficiaries. …
Walter Rauschenbusch—The Social Principles of Jesus Not that Light, but a Witness.
(John I. 8.) "Nothing resting in its own completeness Can have worth or beauty; but alone Because it leads and tends to farther sweetness, Fuller, higher, deeper than its own. "Spring's real glory dwells not in the meaning, Gracious though it be, of her blue hours; But is hidden in her tender leaning To the summer's richer wealth of flowers." A. A. PROCTOR. Resentment of the Sanhedrim--The Baptist's Credentials--Spiritual Vision--"Behold the Lamb of God"--The Baptism of the Spirit The baptism and …
F. B. Meyer—John the Baptist Links Luke 3:21 NIVLuke 3:21 NLTLuke 3:21 ESVLuke 3:21 NASBLuke 3:21 KJV
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