Matthew 3:6&7
"6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?"
John the Baptizer has been preaching, teaching and baptizing on the banks of the Jordan river. This is the border between the civilized world and the wilderness. He is preparing the way for the Lord and Savior to go public with His ministry. People were coming from all over to hear John's lessons. He was drawing attention to himself and his message! In today's verse we get an idea of what that might have been; "And were baptized of him in Jordan, CONFESSING their sins." The original Greek text implies an continual succession. A long line of people getting baptized. They are confessing their sins and having them washed away.
We believe the Baptizer held the Nazarite vow and he would have had long shaggy hair, clothes made with camel's hair. His rough appearance would have made a stark contrast to the long garments and gorgeous apparel of the Sadducees and Pharisees. Who show up on this scene in today's verse; "But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?" Not the kindest of introductions. This the same term that Jesus uses near the end of His ministry in Matthew 23:33. Even John displays some kind of insight in the motivation of these men. He asks them "who taught you?" They have some kind of knowledge and curiosity that brings them out here. Are they here to repent too? Possibly a sarcastic question. Maybe they do know the Old Testament prophecy and are watching it be fulfilled right before their eyes!!!
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