4:1-3 “But Jesus Himself did not baptize” – The theme of the Baptism that Jesus would give, begun with the witness of John the Baptist (1:29-34), continues with the discourse with the Samaritan woman concerning “living water” (4:10-11). The Samaritan woman and the Samaritan confession (4:42) confess the universal, inclusive scope of the new “begetting” and the new, Spiritual worship it gives (4:20-24).
3:22-24 “After these things Jesus baptized” – Nowhere else in the NT or in early Christian tradition are we told that Jesus Himself baptized. The Evangelist suggests that the event of baptism was how one became either a disciple of John or Jesus (see also 4:1-2).
3:14-15 “It is necessary that the Son of Man be lifted up” – “To lift up” or “exalt” is interpreted by the Bronze serpent incident (Num 21:4-9), Jn 12:32-33, “He said this to show by what death He was to die,” and the prophecy of Isaiah 52:13. Apart from the Crucified there is no salvation or eternal life.
3:5 “Unless one is begotten from water and the Spirit” – Jesus insists upon that which will come at the fulfillment of all things (19:28-30), namely His Baptism which gives us forgiveness of sins in His death. Nicodemus could not know what Jesus refers to, as the Christian rite is not initiated and such a baptism cannot be known solely from the OT, even by a “teacher of Israel.” Earthly bloodline as children of Abraham won’t do, because the new Israel will encompass all, regardless of physica…
2:23-25 “many believed in His Name” – This passage is not merely transitional but connects the cleansing of the temple with the discourses with Nicodemus. The previous section is indicated by the repetition of “the Passover” (2:13,23) and the coming section by the “signs” (2:23; 3:2), the plurals “we” and “many,” “man” (2:25; 3:1), and pronoun “to Him” (3:2) referring back to 2:24.
Introduction—The cleansing of the Temple in John is the first public act of Jesus. It is also the first visit to Jerusalem, the first Passover, and the first confrontation with “the Jews.” The reference to “the Passover” (2:13, 23) are not mere indications of time.
Lord God, heavenly Father, we thank you for instituting holy matrimony to keep us from unchastity and other offenses. Send your blessing on every husband and wife, that they may not provoke each other to anger and strife, but live peaceably together in love and godliness, receive your gracious help in all temptations and raise their children according to your will.
Lord God, heavenly Father, we thank you for instituting holy matrimony to keep us from unchastity and other offenses. Send your blessing on every husband and wife, that they may not provoke each other to anger and strife, but live peaceably together in love and godliness, receive your gracious help in all temptations and raise their children according to your will.
Lord God, heavenly Father, we thank you for instituting holy matrimony to keep us from unchastity and other offenses. Send your blessing on every husband and wife, that they may not provoke each other to anger and strife, but live peaceably together in love and godliness, receive your gracious help in all temptations and raise their children according to your will.
Amen comes from the Hebrew word for faith or faithfulness. When used as a verb, this word meant “to establish, support, or make certain.” Amen is one of those unique Hebrew words that has followed the Gospel into every language in which it has been preached.
