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Bible Chapter Summary

Matthew 3 Summary

John the Baptist and the Baptism of Jesus

John preaches repentance in the wilderness, the voice crying to prepare the way of the LORD. He baptizes with water for repentance, announcing one coming after him who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. Jesus comes from Galilee to be baptized. The heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father speaks.

Key themes

RepentanceBaptismTrinityCalling

Key verses

Matthew 3:2

And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Matthew 3:11

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:

Matthew 3:16-17

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

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