Luke 3:3

And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;

And {G2532} he came {G2064} into {G1519} all {G3956} the country about {G4066} Jordan {G2446}, preaching {G2784} the baptism {G908} of repentance {G3341} for {G1519} the remission {G859} of sins {G266};

He went all through the Yarden region proclaiming an immersion involving turning to God from sin in order to be forgiven.

He went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,

And he came into all the region round about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance unto remission of sins;

Commentary

Luke 3:3 describes the public ministry of John the Baptist, a pivotal figure prophesied to prepare the way for the Messiah. This verse concisely summarizes the core message and geographical scope of his preaching.

Context

This verse places John the Baptist's ministry geographically "all the country about Jordan," signifying a widespread movement attracting many people. John's appearance and message fulfilled ancient prophecies, particularly those found in Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1, identifying him as the messenger sent to prepare the way for the Lord. His ministry marked a significant turning point, bridging the Old Testament prophetic era with the advent of Jesus Christ.

Key Themes

  • The Forerunner's Ministry: John's primary role was to announce the coming of the Messiah and prepare people's hearts for His arrival. His message was direct and urgent, calling for immediate spiritual change.
  • The Baptism of Repentance: This was not Christian baptism, which would later be instituted by Jesus and administered in His name (Matthew 28:19). Instead, John's baptism was a symbolic act, a public demonstration of an inward commitment to turn away from sin and toward God. It signified a readiness to receive the coming Kingdom of God.
  • Remission of Sins: The ultimate purpose of this repentance was the "remission of sins," or forgiveness. While John's baptism itself did not inherently grant forgiveness (which ultimately comes through Christ's sacrifice), it prepared individuals to receive God's grace and forgiveness, highlighting the necessity of acknowledging sin and seeking restoration.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "repentance" is metanoia (μετάνοια), which literally means a "change of mind" or a "turning around." It implies a fundamental shift in one's thinking, attitude, and direction, leading to a change in behavior. It's more than just feeling sorry; it's a complete reorientation of one's life towards God. The term "remission" comes from the Greek word aphesis (ἄφεσις), meaning "release," "forgiveness," or "letting go." This emphasizes the liberation from the burden and guilt of sin that comes through genuine repentance and God's grace.

Practical Application

John the Baptist's message remains profoundly relevant today. The call to repentance is an ongoing invitation for believers to continually examine their lives, turn away from anything that grieves God, and align themselves with His will. While our forgiveness is secured by Christ's sacrifice on the cross (Ephesians 1:7), the pursuit of genuine repentance ensures a responsive heart, open to God's transforming power and continued communion with Him. It reminds us that acknowledging our need for God's forgiveness is the first step towards experiencing His abundant grace and life.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 1:77 (6 votes)

    To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,

  • Matthew 3:5 (3 votes)

    Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,

  • Matthew 3:6 (3 votes)

    And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

  • Matthew 3:11 (3 votes)

    I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire:

  • Acts 22:16 (3 votes)

    And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

  • Acts 19:4 (3 votes)

    Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

  • John 1:31 (3 votes)

    And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.