Confessing their sins
This phrase highlights the act of repentance, a central theme in the ministry of John the Baptist. Confession of sins was a public acknowledgment of wrongdoing and a desire for spiritual renewal. In the Jewish tradition, confession was often associated with the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:29-30) and other penitential practices. The act of confessing sins before baptism signifies a turning away from past transgressions and a commitment to a new way of life. This practice is echoed in 1 John 1:9, which emphasizes the importance of confession for forgiveness and cleansing.

They were baptized by him
Baptism, as performed by John, was a symbolic act of purification and repentance. It was not yet the Christian baptism instituted by Jesus, which includes the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). John's baptism was preparatory, pointing towards the coming of the Messiah and the need for spiritual readiness. The act of baptism by immersion in water symbolized the washing away of sins and a fresh start. This practice has roots in Jewish purification rituals, such as the mikveh, which involved immersion for ritual cleanliness.

In the Jordan River
The Jordan River holds significant historical and theological importance in the Bible. It was the site where the Israelites crossed into the Promised Land (Joshua 3:14-17), symbolizing a transition from the old life of slavery in Egypt to a new life in the land God promised. By baptizing in the Jordan, John the Baptist was connecting his ministry to this rich history of deliverance and new beginnings. The Jordan River also serves as a geographical marker, separating the wilderness from the land of Israel, symbolizing the transition from a life of sin to one of righteousness. This location foreshadows Jesus' own baptism in the Jordan, marking the beginning of His public ministry (Matthew 3:13-17).

1. John the Baptist
A prophetic figure who preached repentance and baptized people in preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. He is known for his role in calling people to repentance and preparing the way for the Lord.

2. The People
Those who came to John the Baptist, confessing their sins and seeking baptism. They represent a diverse group of individuals from various backgrounds who were drawn to John's message of repentance.

3. The Jordan River
A significant geographical location in biblical history, the Jordan River is where John conducted baptisms. It symbolizes a place of spiritual renewal and transformation.

4. Confession of Sins
The act of acknowledging one's sins before God, which is a crucial step in the process of repentance and receiving forgiveness.

5. Baptism
A ritual of purification and initiation, symbolizing the washing away of sins and the beginning of a new life in faith.The Importance of Confession
Confession is a vital step in the process of repentance. It involves acknowledging our sins before God and is necessary for spiritual growth and renewal.

Baptism as a Public Declaration
Baptism serves as a public declaration of faith and repentance. It is an outward expression of an inward change and commitment to follow Christ.

The Role of Repentance in Salvation
Repentance is essential for salvation. It involves a genuine turning away from sin and turning towards God, which is foundational to the Christian faith.

Symbolism of the Jordan River
The Jordan River represents a place of transition and transformation. Just as the Israelites crossed the Jordan to enter the Promised Land, baptism symbolizes entering into a new life with Christ.

Community and Accountability
The act of coming together to confess sins and be baptized highlights the importance of community and accountability in the Christian journey.(6) Were baptized.--The Greek tense implies continual succession. Crowd after crowd passed on, and still they came confessing their sins--i.e., as the position of the word implies, in the closest possible connection with the act of immersion. The Greek word (sometimes used for "confessing" in the sense of "praising," as in Luke 12:8), always implies public utterance, and included, as the plural of the noun seems to show, a specific mention of, at least, the more grievous individual sins.

Verse 6. - And (they, Revised Version) were baptized. The Revised Version probably desires to call attention to the change in the verb from singular to plural. In Jordan; in the river Jordan (Revised Version, with manuscripts). So also parallel passage in Mark (cf. Introduction, p. 5.). By him; i.e. their baptism was not self-imposed, but an act of submission to his teaching, and of acceptance of his message. The forerunner saw results, not merely in crowds of listeners, but in external actions. By him (contrast John 4:2). Confessing their sins; i.e. in at least some detail; cf. Josephus, 'Ant.,' 8:04. 6, "confessing their sins and their transgressions of the laws of their country ( ἐξομολογουμένων τὰς ἁμαρτίας αὐτῶν καὶ τὰς τῶν πατρίων νομίμων παραβάσεις);" also Acts 19:18, "confessing and declaring their deeds" (cf. James 5:16).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Confessing
ἐξομολογούμενοι (exomologoumenoi)
Verb - Present Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1843: From ek and homologeo; to acknowledge or agree fully.

their
αὐτῶν (autōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

sins,
ἁμαρτίας (hamartias)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 266: From hamartano; a sin.

they were baptized
ἐβαπτίζοντο (ebaptizonto)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 907: Lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize.

by
ὑπ’ (hyp’)
Preposition
Strong's 5259: A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).

him
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Jordan
Ἰορδάνῃ (Iordanē)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2446: Of Hebrew origin; the Jordanes, a river of Palestine.

River.
ποταμῷ (potamō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4215: A river, torrent, stream. Probably from a derivative of the alternate of pino; a current, brook or freshet, i.e. Running water.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 3:6 They were baptized by him (Matt. Mat Mt)