Matthew:3:13-16

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rwp @Matthew:3:13 @{Then cometh Jesus } (\tote paraginetai ho I ˆsous \). The same historical present used in strkjv @3:1 |. He comes all the way from Galilee to Jordan "to be baptized by him " (\tou baptisth ˆnai hupo autou \). The genitive articular infinitive of purpose , a very common idiom . The fame of John had reached Nazareth and the hour has come for which Jesus has waited . rwp @Matthew:3:14 @{Would have hindered } (\diek “luen \). Rather "tried to prevent " as Moffatt has it . It is the conative imperfect . The two men of destiny are face to face for the first time apparently . The Coming One stands before John and he recognizes him before the promised sign is given . rwp @Matthew:3:15 @{To fulfil all righteousness } (\pl ˆr “sai p ƒsan dikaiosun ˆn \). The explanation of Jesus satisfies John and he baptizes the Messiah though he has no sins to confess . It was proper (\prepon \) to do so else the Messiah would seem to hold aloof from the Forerunner . Thus the ministries of the two are linked together . rwp @Matthew:3:16 @{The Spirit of God descending as a dove } (\pneuma theou katabainon h “sei peristeran \). It is not certain whether Matthew means that the Spirit of God took the form of a dove or came upon Jesus as a dove comes down . Either makes sense , but Luke (Luke:3:22 |) has it "in bodily form as a dove " and that is probably the idea here . The dove in Christian art has been considered the symbol of the Holy Spirit .

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