a3:1
bMark 1:1-11
cLuke 3:1-22
dJohn 1:6-8
e19-34
fMatt 3:3
g3:5
h9:14
iActs 18:24-28
jExod 19:1
kIsa 40:3

‏ Matthew 3:1

3:1  a John the Baptist announced Jesus’ coming (see Mark 1:1-11  b; Luke 3:1-22  c; John 1:6-8  d, 19-34  e) and prepared people to receive him (Matt 3:3  f). John attracted large crowds (3:5  g) and a group of disciples (9:14  h). This group continued for a short time as a movement, even as the Christian church emerged (see Acts 18:24-28  i).

• John’s locale in the Judean wilderness had symbolic significance: The wilderness was associated with the giving of the law (see Exod 19:1  j) and with God’s final redemption of Israel at the end of history (see Isa 40:3  k).
Copyright information for TNotes