14. The Baptism of Jesus
13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14But John tried to prevent him, saying, "I have need to be baptized by you. Why do you come to me?"15But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now, for it is fitting." Then he consented.
16And when Jesus was baptized,a behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him; 17and lo, a voice from heaven saying, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased."
1Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness.
(Mt. 3:13–17; 4:1)
a "And when Jesus was baptized,"—John's ministry took place "in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar," which would be AD 25–26. (Ch. 12 and fn. a) If Jesus were baptized in AD 26 and if he were born in August—September 7 BC (Ch. 5, fn. a; and Ch. 7, fns. b and e), Jesus would have been around 32 years old when he received John's baptism. This conclusion is consistent with Luke's statement (Ch. 17, Lk. 3:23) that Jesus was about 30 years old when he began his ministry (which followed soon after his baptism).
Mt. 3:14 NAS • you. Why do / you, and do (NAS)
Mt. 3:15 for it / for thus it (RSV) • fitting." / fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." (RSV)
Mt. 3:16 baptized, behold, / baptized, he went up immediately from the water and behold, (RSV) • and lighting upon (KJV) / and alighting upon (RSV)
Mt. 3:17 Son in whom (KJV) / Son with whom (RSV)
Mt. 4:1 wilderness. / wilderness to be tempted by the devil. (RSV) (135:8/1503–4)
