Luke 3:2 Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
3:3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
John was baptizing to cleanse the nation of Israel to be prepared for the coming of the Lord (Luke 1:17), who would fulfill the promise of the Davidic kingdom (Romans 15:8). In the Davidic kingdom Christ will rule the earth from Jerusalem (Luke 1:32-33) and believing Israel will reign as kings and priests with him (Revelation 5:10). Under the new testament the Holy Spirit will cause believing Israel to keep his commandments and teach the Gentile nations who have entered the kingdom (Isaiah2:3 Ezekiel 36:24-28).
3:7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
The Lord prophesied a period of tribulation (Matthew 24:21) and the pouring out of his wrath.
3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
Israel was to receive Jesus as Messiah, the Son of God (John 20:31) and bring forth the fruits of righteousness. Israel was to show repentance from dead works and faith toward God (Hebrews 6:1). Israel was to become a fruitful nation in order to enter the Davidic kingdom on earth (Matthew 21:43).
3:9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
The unfruitful nation of Israel would be seperated from the holy nation of Israel and be denied authority to rule in the kingdom (Luke 19:17).
3:10 And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?
John, in the verses below was instructing the people on bearing the good fruit of repentance required to enter the kingdom.
3:11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.
3:12 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?
3:13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
3:14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.
3:3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
John was baptizing to cleanse the nation of Israel to be prepared for the coming of the Lord (Luke 1:17), who would fulfill the promise of the Davidic kingdom (Romans 15:8). In the Davidic kingdom Christ will rule the earth from Jerusalem (Luke 1:32-33) and believing Israel will reign as kings and priests with him (Revelation 5:10). Under the new testament the Holy Spirit will cause believing Israel to keep his commandments and teach the Gentile nations who have entered the kingdom (Isaiah2:3 Ezekiel 36:24-28).
3:7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
The Lord prophesied a period of tribulation (Matthew 24:21) and the pouring out of his wrath.
3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
Israel was to receive Jesus as Messiah, the Son of God (John 20:31) and bring forth the fruits of righteousness. Israel was to show repentance from dead works and faith toward God (Hebrews 6:1). Israel was to become a fruitful nation in order to enter the Davidic kingdom on earth (Matthew 21:43).
3:9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
The unfruitful nation of Israel would be seperated from the holy nation of Israel and be denied authority to rule in the kingdom (Luke 19:17).
3:10 And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?
John, in the verses below was instructing the people on bearing the good fruit of repentance required to enter the kingdom.
3:11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.
3:12 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?
3:13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
3:14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.
