Matthew 3:17
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is--Mark and Luke give it in the direct form, "Thou art." (Mar 1:11; Luk 3:22). my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased--The verb is put in the aorist to express absolute complacency, once and for ever felt towards Him. The English here, at least to modern ears, is scarcely strong enough. "I delight" comes the nearest, perhaps, to that ineffable complacency which is manifestly intended; and this is the rather to be preferred, as it would immediately carry the thoughts back to that august Messianic prophecy to which the voice from heaven plainly alluded (Isa 42:1), "Behold My Servant, whom I uphold; Mine Elect, IN WHOM MY SOUL DELIGHTETH." Nor are the words which follow to be overlooked, "I have put My Spirit upon Him; He shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles." (The Septuagint perverts this, as it does most of the Messianic predictions, interpolating the word "Jacob," and applying it to the Jews). Was this voice heard by the by-standers? From Matthew's form of it, one might suppose it so designed; but it would appear that it was not, and probably John only heard and saw anything peculiar about that great baptism. Accordingly, the words, "Hear ye Him," are not added, as at the Transfiguration. Next: Matthew Chapter 4
John Gill Bible Commentary
And lo, a voice from heaven, saying,.... At the same time the heavens were opened, and the Spirit of God descended as a dove, and lighted on Christ, and whilst it abode upon him, an extraordinary voice was heard; hence the note of attention and admiration, "lo", is prefixed unto it, as before, to the opening of the heavens; being what was unusual and surprising; and as denoting something to be expressed of great moment and importance. The Jews, in order to render this circumstance less considerable, and to have it believed, that these voices from heaven heard in the time of Jesus, and in relation to him were common things, have invented a great many stories concerning , "the voice", or "the daughter of the voice from heaven"; which they pretend came in the room of prophecy: their (t) words are, "after the death of the latter prophets, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi, the holy Spirit departed from Israel, and thenceforwards they used "Bath Kol", the "voice". One time they were sitting in the chamber of the house of Guria in Jericho, and there came to them , "the voice from heaven", (saying;) there is one here, who is fit to have the Shekinah (or divine majesty) abide on him, as Moses our master; but because his generation was not worthy, therefore the wise men set their eyes on Hillell, the elder; and when he died, they said concerning him, this was a holy man, a meek man, a disciple of Ezra. Again, another time they were sitting in a chamber in Jabneh, and there came to them "the voice from heaven", (saying;) there is one here, who is fit to have the Shekinah dwell on him; but because his generation was not worthy, therefore the wise men set their eyes on Samuel the little.'' I have cited this passage at large, partly because, according to them, it fixes the date and use of "the voice"; and partly, because it affords instances of it, wherefore more need not be mentioned; for, it would be endless to repeat the several things spoken by it; such as encouraging Herod to rebel, and seize his master's kingdom (u); forbidding Ben Uzziel to go on with his paraphrase on the Hagiographa, or holy books, when he had finished his Targum on the prophets (w); declaring the words of Hillell and Shammai to be the words of the living God (x); signifying the conception, birth, and death of (y) persons, and the like; all which seem to be mere fiction and imagination, diabolical delusions, or satanical imitations of this voice, that was now heard, in order to lessen the credit of it. But, to proceed; this extraordinary voice from heaven, which was formed in articulate sounds for the sake of John; and, according to the other Evangelists, was directed to Christ, Mar 1:11 expressed the following words, "this is my beloved Son". "This" person, who had been baptized in water, on whom the holy Spirit now rested, is no other than the Son of God in human nature; which he assumed, in order to be obedient to this, and the whole of his Father's will: he is his own proper "son", not by creation, as angels, and men; nor by adoption, as saints; nor by office, as magistrates; but in such a way of filiation as no other is: he is the natural, essential, and only begotten Son of God; his beloved Son, whom the Father loved from everlasting, as his own Son; the image of himself, of the same nature with him, and possessed of the same perfections; whom he loved, and continued to love in time, though clothed with human nature, and the infirmities of it; appearing in the likeness of sinful flesh; being in his state of humiliation, he loved him through it, and all sorrows and sufferings that attended it. Christ always was, and ever will be considered, both in his person as the Son of God, and in his office as mediator, the object of his love and delight; wherefore he adds, in whom I am well pleased. Jehovah the Father took infinite delight and pleasure in him as his own Son, who lay in his bosom before all worlds; and was well pleased with him in his office relation, and capacity: he was both well pleased in him as his Son, and delighted in him as his servant, Isa 42:1 he was pleased with his assumption of human nature; with his whole obedience to the law; and with his bearing the penalty and curse of it, in the room and stead of his people: he was well pleased with and for his righteousness, sacrifice and atonement; whereby his law was fulfilled, and his justice satisfied. God is not only well pleased in, and with his Son, but with all his people, as considered in him; in him he loves them, takes delight in them, is pacified towards them, and graciously accepts of them. It would be almost unpardonable, not to take notice of the testimony here given to the doctrine of the Trinity; since a voice was heard from the "father" in heaven, bearing witness to "the Son" in human nature on earth, on whom "the Spirit" had descended and now abode. The ancients looked upon this as so clear and full a proof of this truth, that they were wont to say; Go to Jordan, and there learn the doctrine of the Trinity. Add to all this, that since this declaration was immediately upon the baptism of Christ, it shows that his Father highly approved of, and was well pleased with his submission to that ordinance; and which should be an encouraging motive to all believers to follow him in it. (t) T. Bab. Sanhedrim, fol. 11. 1. Sota, fol. 48. 2. Yoma. fol. 9. 2. (u) T. Bab. Bava Bathra, fol. 3. 2. (w) Megilla, fol. 3. 1. (x) T. Hieros. Beracot, fol. 3. 2. (y) T. Bab. Sanhedrim, fol. 22. 1. T. Hieros. Sabbat. fol. 8. 3. Next: Matthew Chapter 4
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:17 my dearly loved Son (see Ps 2:7): The title “Son of God” reveals and clarifies Jesus’ nature and role (see Matt 4:3, 6; 14:33; 16:16; 17:5; 26:63; 27:54; 28:19). In his unique relationship to the Father, Jesus accomplishes salvation as the trusting and obedient Son. • who brings me great joy: God the Father confirmed his Son’s ministry with language from Isaiah (Isa 42:1) and so prepared Israel for his ministry.
Matthew 3:17
The Baptism of Jesus
16As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him.17And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Basics) 66. Don't Believe Satan's Lies
By Zac Poonen3.0K13:15MAT 3:17JHN 6:37HEB 8:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of identifying Satan's deception in order to avoid problems in our lives. The sermon is based on 2nd Thessalonians chapter 2, which talks about a world ruler who will be an instrument in Satan's hands and deceive many people. The preacher emphasizes the need for believers to speak the truth and not tell lies for personal gain. The sermon also addresses the lies that Satan tells, such as making believers feel condemned and accepted by God based on their works rather than repentance and faith in Christ.
(Genesis) Genesis 28:12-15
By J. Vernon McGee2.7K05:25GenesisGEN 28:12MAT 3:17JHN 1:51EPH 2:18In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob's dream of a ladder reaching up to heaven. God appears to Jacob in the dream and reaffirms the promises He made to Abraham and Isaac. God assures Jacob that He will be with him and bring him back to the land. The ladder in the dream is interpreted as a representation of Christ, through whom we have access to God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of coming to God through Christ and the need for discipline and courage in our lives as believers.
The Possibility of Death
By Keith Daniel2.4K52:18DeathGEN 5:24GEN 32:261SA 13:14MAT 3:17MAT 6:33ROM 3:24REV 20:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the grave responsibility placed on him to witness to every soul, as the possibility of death looms over everyone. He shares his dedication to preaching the word of God, carefully weighing every word and seeking the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The preacher addresses the common question of how God can be a God of love when there is so much suffering in the world. He also recounts a personal story of a man who initially rejected God but later had a change of heart. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the judgment day, where all people, both small and great, will stand before God.
Christ Is Everything - Dutch
By Paul Washer1.9K1:10:39Jesus ChristMAT 3:17ACT 16:31COL 1:16In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the devastating impact of death on human lives, sharing personal experiences of losing loved ones. He emphasizes that death is an unbeatable enemy that will eventually come for everyone. The speaker highlights the fleeting nature of life, stating that within a few years, many in the audience will be dead, and within 100 years, all will be forgotten. However, he offers hope in the Gospel, urging listeners to come to Christ and find meaning and victory over death through His grace. The sermon concludes with a reading from the Book of Colossians, emphasizing Christ's role as the creator and head of the church.
Grace of God (Toronto Spiritual Life Convention 1999)
By Eric J. Alexander1.8K44:32PSA 137:1ISA 42:1MAT 3:17LUK 22:37In this sermon, the speaker discusses the context of the people of Israel being exiled in Babylon due to their persistent disobedience and failure to listen to God. However, the prophet Isaiah brings a message of hope, stating that God has a plan to raise up a servant who will call his people back to himself. This servant is not just a contemporary figure, but the ultimate servant of Jehovah who will deliver his people from both physical and spiritual bondage. The speaker connects this prophecy to the language used in the New Testament to introduce Jesus Christ as the servant of Jehovah, who fulfills the role of the suffering servant and sin-bearing savior of Calvary.
Visions of God - Part 5
By David Adams1.6K39:36VisionGEN 28:10GEN 32:22EXO 3:1MAT 3:17MAT 17:5MRK 1:11LUK 3:22In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the journey of Jacob and how God remained with him throughout his life. Despite Jacob's past trickery and doubts, God continued to be faithful. The speaker also discusses the story of Manoa and the angel of the Lord, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God's presence and guidance in our lives. The sermon encourages listeners to hold onto God's promises and to be open to special moments of encounter with Him, even in difficult circumstances.
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
Give God Your Heart
By Erlo Stegen1.6K33:13SurrenderPSA 37:4PRO 23:26ISA 55:8JON 4:2MAT 3:17MAT 6:33ROM 8:28In this sermon, the preacher uses a story about a house with missing keys to illustrate the concept of giving our whole hearts to God. The buyer of the house insists on having all the keys, just as God wants our whole hearts. The preacher emphasizes the importance of truly giving our hearts to God, rather than just singing about it superficially. He also acknowledges the difficulties and challenges we may face in life, but encourages us to trust in God's comfort and promises. The sermon concludes with a reminder that God's grace is sufficient for us and that we can find assurance and strength in our relationship with Him.
(Through the Bible) Genesis 4-5
By Chuck Smith1.6K38:20ExpositionalGEN 4:4MAT 3:17JHN 8:29HEB 11:6REV 4:11In this sermon, the preacher discusses the tendency of people to justify their actions and avoid taking responsibility for their mistakes. He emphasizes the importance of admitting when we are wrong and accepting blame instead of finding excuses. The preacher uses the story of Adam and Eve's expulsion from the Garden of Eden as an example of how humans often try to shift the blame onto others. He also briefly mentions the descendants of Cain and their contributions to early civilization, such as the development of instruments.
Sermon on the Mount: Peacemakers & Their Blessedness
By J. Glyn Owen1.4K44:03Sermon on the MountMAL 3:1MAT 3:17MAT 5:3MAT 6:33MAT 17:5ROM 8:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a peacemaker in the biblical sense. He explains that becoming a peacemaker is dependent on one's character, which is developed through the process of being poor in spirit, mourning for one's sin, being meek, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, showing mercy to others, and having purity of heart. The speaker highlights that the role of a peacemaker is to bring about peace and transform the hearts of individuals, replacing dis-peace, war, misery, and hatred with worship, grace, and peace. He encourages listeners to reflect on whether they are peacemakers and to share the peace of God with others.
Be a Man - Part 3
By Ken Graves1.4K1:10:35ManhoodMAT 3:17JHN 3:16JHN 18:4PHP 4:8PHP 4:131TI 2:52TI 1:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humbling oneself before God and seeking obedience. He quotes various Bible verses, including John 3:16, which highlights God's love for the world and His sacrifice of His Son. The preacher also discusses the role of Jesus as the mediator between God and man and the power and sound mind that believers receive from God. He warns against the temptation to focus on outward appearances and highlights the need to continually pursue and cherish one's spouse. The sermon concludes with a reflection on Jesus' baptism and his subsequent journey into the wilderness, where he faced temptation and demonstrated his strength and resilience.
Holy Scripture
By John Murray1.3K54:17ScripturePSA 119:105ISA 55:11MAT 3:17ROM 15:42TI 3:16HEB 4:122PE 1:19In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance and permanence of scripture as the voice of God. He discusses the use of scripture, highlighting its profitability for doctrine, proof, correction, and instruction in ethical behavior. The speaker warns against relying on pious sentiment as a substitute for right conduct and emphasizes the need to be obedient to God's word. He concludes by urging listeners to remember their obligation and privilege to bear witness to Christ through good works and to serve Him with love and obedience.
The Three Prayers (Part 4)
By Ron Bailey1.3K1:09:51Prayer ExampleISA 4:4ZEC 13:4MAT 3:11MAT 3:17MRK 1:7MRK 14:27LUK 3:16In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Isaiah and his encounter with God's judgment upon Babylon. Isaiah is overwhelmed with fear as he witnesses the destruction that will befall the city. The speaker draws parallels between Isaiah's experience and the book of Revelation, emphasizing the significance of Babylon's fall. The sermon also highlights the sacrificial love of God, as demonstrated through the giving of His only Son for the salvation of humanity. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the importance of recognizing Jesus as either crucified or crowned, with no other options available.
Sonship (Compilation)
By Compilations1.2K00:00CompilationMAT 3:17ROM 8:14In this sermon transcript, the speaker recounts a story of a Jewish widow who came to him with questions about his faith. The widow's son had seen the speaker at a college meeting and was impressed by his ability to withstand abuse without retaliating. The speaker emphasizes that becoming a son or daughter of God requires continual choosing and living by faith, even in the face of suffering and opposition. He shares his own experience of being attacked by rabbis and feeling inadequate in his response. The speaker also highlights the importance of being a son or daughter of God regardless of external validation or success.
Abraham's Unique Test
By Chuck Smith1.2K25:15AbrahamGEN 22:1MAT 3:17MAT 6:33MRK 1:11LUK 3:22JHN 20:91CO 15:3In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith focuses on the story of Abraham and his unique test from God. He begins by emphasizing the importance of allowing the Son of God to fill our hearts and satisfy our souls. Pastor Chuck then delves into the progressive fellowship between God and Abraham, highlighting the pivotal moment when Abraham was tested to sacrifice his son Isaac. However, just as Abraham raised the knife, the angel of the Lord intervened and commended Abraham for his faith and obedience. This story serves as a reminder that true faith is demonstrated through corresponding works.
Joshua (Part 2)
By Richard Sipley1.1K42:07JOS 1:14MAT 3:17MAT 28:19ROM 1:16In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the devastating destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina and expresses empathy for the affected people. He emphasizes the importance of God's patience and desire for all to repent and be saved. The preacher also discusses the tendency of men to compartmentalize their lives and encourages them to integrate their faith into all aspects of their lives. He shares stories of individuals who selflessly helped others during the aftermath of the hurricane, highlighting the importance of compassion and generosity.
The Beloved's Bride
By Randy Jones1.1K44:13BelovedPSA 91:1MAT 3:17JHN 1:29JHN 3:29REV 22:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the Father's delight in His Son and how this love relationship between the Father and the Son extends to believers. The preacher emphasizes that God manifested Himself in the flesh through Jesus Christ and deposited all His glory and wonders in His Son. The sermon also highlights the importance of being prepared and ready for the bridegroom, Jesus Christ. The preacher uses the story of Rebecca and Isaac to illustrate the willingness and commitment required to follow Jesus, even if it means riding camels.
The Tabernacle #3: Holy of Holies
By Stephen Kaung9631:19:04EXO 25:16EXO 29:43PSA 40:6MAT 3:17ROM 3:25HEB 4:14HEB 10:19In this sermon, the speaker discusses the spiritual experience of believers after they have accepted Jesus as their savior. They go through a stage of enlightenment and are adorned with gifts, graces, and virtues. However, the speaker emphasizes that God often deals with believers to bring them to a place of complete surrender and dependence on Him. The soul is described as living and working through the Holy Spirit, finding rest, joy, and harmony in God. The ultimate goal is for believers to be one with Christ in God and live a life of abundant fruitfulness.
Submission and Humility
By Paul Hershberger8651:03:41PSA 110:1MAT 3:17LUK 2:46ROM 7:18COL 3:201PE 5:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of submission and humility in our lives. He encourages listeners to set a standard of submission and humility from a young age, as it can be a foundation for a blessed and fruitful life. The speaker warns against self-will and the desire to do things our own way, as it can lead to the curse of God. He urges listeners to surrender their hearts to God and allow Him to cleanse and plow their hearts, leading to a deeper worship and freedom in their lives.
7th Witness
By Edgar Reich8231:11:54Christian LifeMAT 3:17MAT 17:5JHN 5:18JHN 5:31In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of having faith in the Christian belief. He emphasizes that if Christ did not rise from the dead, then the faith of believers would be in vain. The preacher mentions that there are witnesses to the Christian faith, including the scriptures and the Holy Spirit. He also refers to the story of Lazarus being brought back to life by Jesus as an example of the power of God. The preacher encourages the congregation, especially the young people, to have an informed faith rather than blind faith.
Call to Repentance
By George Warnock7661:25:11RepentanceEXO 12:14EXO 15:25EXO 23:16PSA 40:6MAT 3:17HEB 4:2HEB 4:111JN 2:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that Israel failed to learn from their experiences in the wilderness, despite God's tender leading and the manifestation of His glory. The speaker highlights the importance of trusting in God's word and recognizing that even in difficult times, God has a purpose and is working for His glory. Various illustrations and types are used to convey the different aspects of God's work in His people. The sermon also emphasizes the need for believers to be united and built up in the body of Christ, continually growing in faith and edifying one another until they stand face to face with Him in His unveiled splendor.
Is Jesus Your First Love
By R. Edward Miller64135:39JesusMAT 3:17MAT 12:18MRK 12:30JAS 2:10REV 19:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of putting God first in our lives and not allowing any idols to take His place. He shares a story about a young lady named Jackie who knew what God wanted her to do, but chose to go against His will and live in His permissive will instead. The preacher also highlights the example of Paul and Silas, who praised God even when they were imprisoned, showing the importance of praising God in all circumstances. The sermon concludes with the reminder that Jesus is to be exalted and glorified in our lives, and that we should align ourselves with His purposes and desires.
Christ, Our Foundation
By Edwin H. Waldvogel62835:47ChristPSA 107:20ISA 42:2MAT 3:17MAT 6:332TI 3:16HEB 4:122PE 1:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation in our faith. He highlights Jesus Christ as the cornerstone and how he identified with sinners through his baptism. The speaker also discusses the role of the Holy Spirit in teaching and guiding believers. He encourages the audience to be diligent Bible students and to live out God's word in their lives.
Christian Life
By Billy Strachan47954:01Christian LifeMAT 3:17ROM 11:36HEB 10:51PE 2:11PE 2:41PE 2:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of allowing God to work through us. He uses the analogy of a jacket to illustrate how we should be empty vessels for God's power and presence. The speaker highlights that Jesus, as God in human form, demonstrated this behavior perfectly. He also references Romans 12, explaining that our Christian living should be centered around the understanding that everything we need comes from God and should be done for His glory. The speaker encourages believers not to conform to the ways of the world but to allow God to shape and fill them.
Week of Meetings 09 With the Lord on the Mtn
By David Clifford38153:39MAT 3:17MAT 17:1MRK 9:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain and the encounter with Moses and Elijah. He emphasizes the presence of four parties on the mountain: the disciples, Moses and Elijah, Jesus himself, and the Father with his voice. The preacher also highlights the four parties in the valley, including a family in need, the disciples in helplessness, the master in response, and the religionists in hostility. The sermon addresses the issue of youths being influenced by evil and parents experiencing anguish, emphasizing the importance of raising children in the ways of the Lord. The preacher concludes by emphasizing the significance of focusing on Jesus and his teachings in our lives.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is--Mark and Luke give it in the direct form, "Thou art." (Mar 1:11; Luk 3:22). my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased--The verb is put in the aorist to express absolute complacency, once and for ever felt towards Him. The English here, at least to modern ears, is scarcely strong enough. "I delight" comes the nearest, perhaps, to that ineffable complacency which is manifestly intended; and this is the rather to be preferred, as it would immediately carry the thoughts back to that august Messianic prophecy to which the voice from heaven plainly alluded (Isa 42:1), "Behold My Servant, whom I uphold; Mine Elect, IN WHOM MY SOUL DELIGHTETH." Nor are the words which follow to be overlooked, "I have put My Spirit upon Him; He shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles." (The Septuagint perverts this, as it does most of the Messianic predictions, interpolating the word "Jacob," and applying it to the Jews). Was this voice heard by the by-standers? From Matthew's form of it, one might suppose it so designed; but it would appear that it was not, and probably John only heard and saw anything peculiar about that great baptism. Accordingly, the words, "Hear ye Him," are not added, as at the Transfiguration. Next: Matthew Chapter 4
John Gill Bible Commentary
And lo, a voice from heaven, saying,.... At the same time the heavens were opened, and the Spirit of God descended as a dove, and lighted on Christ, and whilst it abode upon him, an extraordinary voice was heard; hence the note of attention and admiration, "lo", is prefixed unto it, as before, to the opening of the heavens; being what was unusual and surprising; and as denoting something to be expressed of great moment and importance. The Jews, in order to render this circumstance less considerable, and to have it believed, that these voices from heaven heard in the time of Jesus, and in relation to him were common things, have invented a great many stories concerning , "the voice", or "the daughter of the voice from heaven"; which they pretend came in the room of prophecy: their (t) words are, "after the death of the latter prophets, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi, the holy Spirit departed from Israel, and thenceforwards they used "Bath Kol", the "voice". One time they were sitting in the chamber of the house of Guria in Jericho, and there came to them , "the voice from heaven", (saying;) there is one here, who is fit to have the Shekinah (or divine majesty) abide on him, as Moses our master; but because his generation was not worthy, therefore the wise men set their eyes on Hillell, the elder; and when he died, they said concerning him, this was a holy man, a meek man, a disciple of Ezra. Again, another time they were sitting in a chamber in Jabneh, and there came to them "the voice from heaven", (saying;) there is one here, who is fit to have the Shekinah dwell on him; but because his generation was not worthy, therefore the wise men set their eyes on Samuel the little.'' I have cited this passage at large, partly because, according to them, it fixes the date and use of "the voice"; and partly, because it affords instances of it, wherefore more need not be mentioned; for, it would be endless to repeat the several things spoken by it; such as encouraging Herod to rebel, and seize his master's kingdom (u); forbidding Ben Uzziel to go on with his paraphrase on the Hagiographa, or holy books, when he had finished his Targum on the prophets (w); declaring the words of Hillell and Shammai to be the words of the living God (x); signifying the conception, birth, and death of (y) persons, and the like; all which seem to be mere fiction and imagination, diabolical delusions, or satanical imitations of this voice, that was now heard, in order to lessen the credit of it. But, to proceed; this extraordinary voice from heaven, which was formed in articulate sounds for the sake of John; and, according to the other Evangelists, was directed to Christ, Mar 1:11 expressed the following words, "this is my beloved Son". "This" person, who had been baptized in water, on whom the holy Spirit now rested, is no other than the Son of God in human nature; which he assumed, in order to be obedient to this, and the whole of his Father's will: he is his own proper "son", not by creation, as angels, and men; nor by adoption, as saints; nor by office, as magistrates; but in such a way of filiation as no other is: he is the natural, essential, and only begotten Son of God; his beloved Son, whom the Father loved from everlasting, as his own Son; the image of himself, of the same nature with him, and possessed of the same perfections; whom he loved, and continued to love in time, though clothed with human nature, and the infirmities of it; appearing in the likeness of sinful flesh; being in his state of humiliation, he loved him through it, and all sorrows and sufferings that attended it. Christ always was, and ever will be considered, both in his person as the Son of God, and in his office as mediator, the object of his love and delight; wherefore he adds, in whom I am well pleased. Jehovah the Father took infinite delight and pleasure in him as his own Son, who lay in his bosom before all worlds; and was well pleased with him in his office relation, and capacity: he was both well pleased in him as his Son, and delighted in him as his servant, Isa 42:1 he was pleased with his assumption of human nature; with his whole obedience to the law; and with his bearing the penalty and curse of it, in the room and stead of his people: he was well pleased with and for his righteousness, sacrifice and atonement; whereby his law was fulfilled, and his justice satisfied. God is not only well pleased in, and with his Son, but with all his people, as considered in him; in him he loves them, takes delight in them, is pacified towards them, and graciously accepts of them. It would be almost unpardonable, not to take notice of the testimony here given to the doctrine of the Trinity; since a voice was heard from the "father" in heaven, bearing witness to "the Son" in human nature on earth, on whom "the Spirit" had descended and now abode. The ancients looked upon this as so clear and full a proof of this truth, that they were wont to say; Go to Jordan, and there learn the doctrine of the Trinity. Add to all this, that since this declaration was immediately upon the baptism of Christ, it shows that his Father highly approved of, and was well pleased with his submission to that ordinance; and which should be an encouraging motive to all believers to follow him in it. (t) T. Bab. Sanhedrim, fol. 11. 1. Sota, fol. 48. 2. Yoma. fol. 9. 2. (u) T. Bab. Bava Bathra, fol. 3. 2. (w) Megilla, fol. 3. 1. (x) T. Hieros. Beracot, fol. 3. 2. (y) T. Bab. Sanhedrim, fol. 22. 1. T. Hieros. Sabbat. fol. 8. 3. Next: Matthew Chapter 4
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:17 my dearly loved Son (see Ps 2:7): The title “Son of God” reveals and clarifies Jesus’ nature and role (see Matt 4:3, 6; 14:33; 16:16; 17:5; 26:63; 27:54; 28:19). In his unique relationship to the Father, Jesus accomplishes salvation as the trusting and obedient Son. • who brings me great joy: God the Father confirmed his Son’s ministry with language from Isaiah (Isa 42:1) and so prepared Israel for his ministry.