Mat 3:7-10 | TNotes | STEP | 3:7 The Pharisees ’ name derives from the Hebrew term perushim , meaning either separated ones or exact interpreters . • The Sadducees , a priestly class, probably derive their name from Zadok the priest (2 Sam 15:24-29 ; Ezek 44:10-16 ).

a3:7►

b2 Sam 15:24-29►

cEzek 44:10-16►

d3:8►

eLuke 3:10-14►

fMatt 5:19-20►

g46►

h7:21►

i23:3►

j3:9►

k8:11-12►

l21:43►

m22:1-14►

n28:16-20►

oRom 4:9-25►

pGal 3:6-14►

q29►

‏ Matthew 3:7-10

3:7 ^a The Pharisees’ name derives from the Hebrew term perushim, meaning either separated ones or exact interpreters.

• The Sadducees, a priestly class, probably derive their name from Zadok the priest (2 Sam 15:24-29 ^b; Ezek 44:10-16 ^c).
3:8 ^d Prove ... that you have ... turned to God (literally make fruit that accords with repentance): John calls for action and true ethical change; mere lip service will not do (see Luke 3:10-14 ^e; cp. Matt 5:19-20 ^f, 46 ^g; 7:21 ^h; 23:3 ⁱ).
3:9 ^j We’re safe: Some had wrongly assumed that, since they were descendants of Abraham, they were exempt from judgment.

• A prominent theme in Matthew is how God will create new children of Abraham by bringing the Gentiles into God’s people and removing from his people Jews who reject the Messiah (see 8:11-12 ^k; 21:43 ^l; 22:1-14 ^m; 28:16-20 ⁿ; Rom 4:9-25 ^o; Gal 3:6-14 ^p, 29 ^q).