25 Ceremonial cleansing is the true definition of baptism, Before this, baptisms were a common feature of the Jewish ceremonial system, but were usually connected with the temple and the laver and were done by the person himself. John was called "the baptist" because he introduced the new method of... [ Continue Reading ]
19 The ancient controversy between Jerusalem and Samaria was most bitter in connection with the proper place of worship. Of course Jerusalem was right and Samaria was wrong, for God had chosen the city of David for His dwelling place. Yet now we are confronted with the strange contradiction that, wh... [ Continue Reading ]
19 Compare Mat_14:3-5; Mar_6:17-18. 19 Herod's treatment of John is here inserted ahead of time to close the account of John's ministry before opening that of his Master's. 21-22 Compare Mat_3:13-17; Mar_1:9-11; Joh_1:32-34. 23 Maturity and sonship, as distinguished from nativity and minority, we... [ Continue Reading ]