Matthew 3:2
Verse
Context
The Mission of John the Baptist
1In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea2and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” 3This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’”
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And saying, Repent ye--Though the word strictly denotes a change of mind, it has respect here (and wherever it is used in connection with salvation) primarily to that sense of sin which leads the sinner to flee from the wrath to come, to look for relief only from above, and eagerly to fall in with the provided remedy. for the kingdom of heaven is at hand--This sublime phrase, used in none of the other Gospels, occurs in this peculiarly Jewish Gospel nearly thirty times; and being suggested by Daniel's grand vision of the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven to the Ancient of days, to receive His investiture in a world-wide kingdom (Dan 7:13-14), it was fitted at once both to meet the national expectations and to turn them into the right channel. A kingdom for which repentance was the proper preparation behooved to be essentially spiritual. Deliverance from sin, the great blessing of Christ's kingdom (Mat 1:21), can be valued by those only to whom sin is a burden (Mat 9:12). John's great work, accordingly, was to awaken this feeling and hold out the hope of a speedy and precious remedy.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And saying, repent ye,.... The doctrine which John preached was the doctrine of repentance; which may be understood either of amendment of life and manners; for the state of the Jews was then very corrupt, all sorts of men were grown very wicked; and though there was a generation among them, who were righteous in their own eyes, and needed no repentance; yet John calls upon them all, without any distinction, to repent; and hereby tacitly strikes at the doctrine of justification by works, which they had embraced, to which the doctrine of repentance is directly opposite: or rather, this is meant, as the word here used signifies, of a change of mind, and principles. The Jews had imbibed many bad notions. The Pharisees held the traditions of the elders, and the doctrine of justification by the works of the law; and the Sadducees denied the resurrection of the dead; and it was a prevailing opinion among them all, and seems to be what is particularly struck at by John, that the Messiah would be a temporal king, and set up an earthly kingdom in this world. Wherefore he exhorts them to change their minds, to relinquish this notion; assuring them, that though he would be a king, and would have a kingdom, which was near at hand, yet it would be a heavenly, and not an earthly one. Hence the manner in which John enforces his doctrine, or the reason and argument he uses to prevail upon them to regard it, is by saying, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand: by which is meant not the kingdom of glory to be expected in another world; or the kingdom of grace, that is internal grace, which only believers are partakers of in this; but the kingdom of the Messiah, which was "at hand", just ready to appear, when he would be made manifest in Israel and enter upon his work and office: it is the Gospel dispensation which was about to take place, and is so called; because of the wise and orderly management of it under Christ, the king and head of his church by the ministration of the word, and administration of ordinances; whereby, as means, spiritual and internal grace would be communicated to many, in whose hearts it would reign and make them meet for the kingdom of glory; and because the whole economy of the Gospel, the doctrines and ordinances of it are from heaven. This phrase, "the kingdom of heaven" is often to be met with in Jewish writings; and sometimes it stands opposed to the "kingdom of the earth" (r); by it is often meant the worship, service, fear, and love of God, and faith in him: thus in one of their books (s) having mentioned those words, "serve the Lord with fear": it is asked, what means this phrase, "with fear?" It is answered, the same as it is written, "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom"; and this is "the kingdom of heaven". And elsewhere they (t) ask, "what is the kingdom of heaven?" To which is answered, "the Lord our God is one Lord". Yea, the Lord God himself is so called (u), and sometimes the sanctuary; and sometimes they intend by it the times of the Messiah, as the Baptist here does; for so they paraphrase (w) those words, "the time of the singing of birds, or of pruning, is come; the time for Israel to be redeemed is come; the time for the uncircumcision to be cut off is come; the time that the kingdom of the Cuthites (Samaritans or Heathens) shall be consumed is come; and the time that "the kingdom of heaven shall be revealed" is come, as it is written, "and the Lord shall be king over all, the earth."'' Very pertinently does John make use of this argument to engage to repentance; since there cannot be a greater motive to it, whether it regard sorrow for sin, and confession of it, or a change of principles and practice, than the grace of God through Christ, which is exhibited in the Gospel dispensation: and very appropriately does he urge repentance previous to the kingdom of heaven; because without that there can be no true and cordial embracing or entering into the Gospel dispensation, or kingdom of heaven; that is, no real and hearty receiving the doctrines, and submitting to the ordinances of it. Nor ought the Jews above all people to object to John's method of preaching; since they make repentance absolutely necessary to the revelation of the Messiah and his kingdom, and redemption by him; for they say (x) in so many words, that "if Israel do not repent, they will never be redeemed; but as soon as they repent, they will be redeemed; yea, if they repent but one day, immediately the son of David will come.'' (r) Bereshit Rabba, fol. 7. 4. (s) Zohar in Exod. fol 39. 2. (t) Debarim Rabba, fol. 237. 2. (u) Zohar in Gen. fol. 112. 3. (w) Shirhashirim Rabba, fol. 11. 4. (x) T. Hieros. Taanith, fol. 63. 4. & 64. 1. & Bab. Sanhed. fol. 97. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:2 The prophetic call to return to God in repentance (cp. Isa 1:16-20) involves total reorientation from pride and sin to humble obedience to God (see Jer 3:11-22). John’s message included specific practical application (Luke 3:11-14).
Matthew 3:2
The Mission of John the Baptist
1In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea2and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” 3This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Aaron's Failure
By Duncan Campbell18K1:00:51FailureEXO 32:7JOS 14:6PRO 9:10MAT 3:2MAT 11:28ACT 4:12JAS 1:5In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of his daughter giving a testimony before leaving for Nepal. She attributes her faith and presence at the meeting to her parents, which humbles the speaker. The speaker then questions if others can say the same about their parents and challenges the audience to be men and women of God. He shares a story of a Christian worker who bought a television set despite the negative influence it can have on young people. The speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects God's presence and warns against dishonoring God's name in the presence of enemies.
Thundering in Nashville
By Andrew Strom14K46:05MAT 3:2MAT 6:24MAT 7:21MAT 23:33ACT 2:37HEB 12:141JN 3:3In this sermon, the preacher discusses the decline of American TV and the need for God's people to take Him seriously and repent. He emphasizes the cultural sins that people may not even realize they are committing and the importance of true prophets who will bring conviction and repentance. The preacher calls for a John the Baptist-like figure to rise up and deliver a searing message that exposes the emptiness of material possessions and challenges the church's allegiance to money. He references biblical figures like John the Baptist and Charles Finney to illustrate the kind of preaching that is needed in today's society.
A Call to Repentance
By Vance Havner10K36:16RepentanceMAT 3:2MAT 4:17MRK 6:12ACT 2:38ACT 20:21ROM 13:14REV 2:5In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of a water wheel in an old-fashioned mill to illustrate the importance of removing hindrances and obstacles in order for the church to operate effectively. He emphasizes the need for repentance and the removal of sin in order for the church to be successful in evangelism. The speaker also highlights the danger of trying to do things in our own strength, rather than relying on the power of the Holy Spirit. He encourages listeners to let God work through them and to abide in Him, rather than striving in their own efforts.
Baptism of the Spirit
By Leonard Ravenhill8.2K1:07:05Holy Spirit BaptismMAT 3:2MRK 6:18LUK 9:24JHN 11:25JHN 14:2ACT 2:1EPH 4:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of learning from history and not repeating the mistakes of the past. He highlights the 400 years of captivity that the Israelites experienced under Pharaoh and how they failed to learn their lesson. The preacher also criticizes the ritualism and formality that had taken over their worship, emphasizing the need for true godliness. He calls on the audience to give their best to God and not prioritize worldly possessions or distractions. The sermon concludes with a warning about the current state of society, urging believers to stand up for righteousness and be willing to sacrifice for their faith.
(Messages) Repentance
By Basilea Schlink7.5K51:16RepentancePSA 51:17MAT 3:2ACT 3:192CO 7:10JAS 5:20REV 2:4REV 3:5During World War II, many German people experienced suffering and developed a hunger for the word of God. The speaker received numerous requests for Bible studies and lectures, which brought joy and gratitude. However, a moment of revelation unsettled the speaker, leading them to realize the importance of repentance. The speaker emphasizes that repentance is the gateway to heaven and the heart of the Father, as preached by John the Baptist and Jesus himself. The speaker highlights the human tendency to be apathetic and indifferent towards our own sins, often blaming others or even God. They stress the need to recognize our lack of repentance and turn to God in faith, as He is able to create repentance in our hearts through His Holy Spirit. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross not only destroyed Satan's power but also the hardness of our hearts, enabling us to weep over our sins and the suffering we have caused. The call to repentance is both a command and a promise.
Baptismal of Fire
By Leonard Ravenhill6.3K1:25:01Baptism Of FireEXO 34:6MAT 3:2MAT 4:17LUK 3:16JHN 3:16ACT 2:37ACT 2:40In this sermon, the preacher describes a powerful testimony given by a woman named Lizzy Smith. Despite her small stature, Lizzy's testimony transformed the atmosphere of the meeting and brought the presence of the Holy Spirit. The preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching with conviction and delivering the message of repentance. They contrast this with the modern approach of relying on films and entertainment to attract crowds, highlighting the need for the wind and fire of the Holy Spirit. The sermon also references biblical figures like John the Baptist and the dramatic impact of wind and fire in nature.
The First Word of the Gospel
By J. Edwin Orr4.1K54:02GospelMAT 3:2MAT 4:17MAT 9:13MRK 1:14MRK 6:12LUK 13:3LUK 24:46In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance in the preaching of the gospel. He refers to the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 4, verse 17, where Jesus began his preaching by saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." The preacher highlights the need for true repentance and a change of heart in order for someone to truly come to Christ. He warns against the danger of leading people to the Lord without emphasizing repentance, as it can lead to a superficial faith that is not truly transformative. The preacher concludes by stating that a revival or awakening can only come through a preaching of repentance, as it is the first word of the gospel.
Dead Words
By A.W. Tozer3.6K47:26Dead WordsEXO 19:9PSA 51:7MAT 3:2JHN 3:16ACT 3:19ROM 10:91JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing his admiration for a group of individuals, stating that he does not aspire to be with anyone better. He then shares a verse from the book of Exodus, where Moses tells God that he will come to the cloud so that the people may hear him speak and believe. The preacher then transitions to a personal story about a man named Charlie who was attacked by robbers. In this dire situation, the preacher claims that God whispered to Charlie to tell the robbers that he cannot open the safe, leading to their demise. The preacher concludes by questioning why Christians are not willing to face difficulties and challenges like the Marines, and instead seek comfort and safety.
Loved With Everlasting Love - Part 2
By Paris Reidhead3.6K56:48Everlasting LoveEZK 33:11MAT 3:2ACT 20:20EPH 1:8In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tendency of people to start something without doing their homework or fully understanding what is involved. He emphasizes the importance of going through a process when coming to faith in God. The process begins with awakening, where the Holy Spirit awakens the heart and brings about discontent and dissatisfaction. This leads to conviction, where the person recognizes their sinfulness and takes sides with God against themselves. The next phase is repentance, where the person changes their mind and renounces their previous way of life. This is followed by faith, where the person reaches out to embrace Jesus Christ as their Savior. The final phase is the witness of the Spirit, where the person experiences a personal relationship with God as their Father. The speaker highlights that everyone who is part of the family of God has gone through this process, even if they may not remember the specific moments of each phase.
Psalm 51
By Leonard Ravenhill3.5K1:22:19RepentancePSA 51:12MAT 3:2MAT 6:33JHN 8:11ROM 6:232CO 5:101JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that worldly pursuits and pleasures will never satisfy the human heart. He shares a personal story of a girl who was weeping and seeking help, but her tears did not bring any change until she had a change in attitude. The speaker also discusses the difference between a sinner who continues in their sin and a true man of God who is brokenhearted over their sin. He highlights the importance of genuine worship and reverence for God, and warns against emotionalism. The sermon concludes with a story about a man involved in criminal activities, highlighting the destructive nature of sin.
Needed a Broken Body
By Leonard Ravenhill3.3K51:38BrokennessISA 1:5JER 9:1MAT 3:21CO 11:24REV 2:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and the role it plays in the lives of prophets. He shares a personal experience from 1940 when he was in Bath, England during the German bombings. The speaker criticizes the lack of impact that the church has had on society despite the abundance of resources available. He highlights the current issues of teenage suicide, child trafficking, and high divorce rates, calling for a message that is relevant to the sin-saturated world. The sermon concludes with a reminder that true revival and transformation start with personal repentance and a recognition of one's own sinfulness.
(John the Baptist Comes to Town) - Part 3 - Sermon That Cost a Preacher His Head
By Rolfe Barnard3.1K24:29John The BaptistISA 32:17MAT 3:2MAT 14:11MRK 6:14JHN 3:3JHN 6:27ACT 17:30In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the ministry of John the Baptist and the sermon that ultimately cost him his head. The sermon was about holiness, righteousness, and God's holy law. John the Baptist fearlessly confronted King Herod and his ungodly wife about their unlawful relationship, which ultimately led to his execution. The preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and surrendering to the claims of Christ in order to receive salvation and experience true peace and joy.
Holines, Brokeness, Repentance, Grace
By James MacDonald2.6K1:02:53MAT 3:2MRK 6:12LUK 3:8ACT 3:19ACT 17:30REV 2:16REV 3:19In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of repentance and conversion in order to experience times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. He highlights the need for genuine sorrow and a change of mind and heart that leads to a change in behavior. The pastor shares a personal dream where he experienced deep joy and uses it as a motivation to preach about repentance. He also references the story of the prodigal son to illustrate the process of repentance and the transformation it brings.
Repentance (High Quality)
By David Smithers2.4K33:07RepentanceISA 6:5MAT 3:2LUK 13:3ACT 2:38ACT 17:302CO 7:10REV 2:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of responding to the glory and majesty of King Jesus. They discuss how worship is a response to God's greatness and encourage the congregation to grow in their worship. The speaker then shifts the focus to repentance, using the example of Isaiah 6 and how Isaiah responded to God's holiness. They highlight the significance of repentance in turning away from our old identity and allowing God to redefine our self-image. The sermon concludes with a passage from Mark 1, where Jesus preaches repentance and calls Simon and Andrew to follow him, leaving behind their identity as fishermen.
The Baptism of Fire
By Zac Poonen2.3K58:53LEV 9:24PSA 139:23JER 6:16JER 8:8MAL 4:5MAT 3:2MAT 7:23LUK 16:13GAL 2:20This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance and preparing our hearts to receive Christ, drawing parallels to John the Baptist's ministry of preparing the way for Jesus. It highlights the need for genuine repentance, understanding the seriousness of sin, and the danger of neglecting the message of turning from sin. The sermon stresses the significance of fathers taking responsibility for their children's spiritual upbringing and the necessity of being baptized in the fire of God for true transformation and spiritual growth.
God Bless the Small - Part 1
By Vance Havner2.0K23:50FaithPSA 119:126MAT 3:2MAT 4:17MRK 6:3ACT 2:38ACT 17:30REV 2:5The sermon transcript discusses the importance of having a sense of expectancy in the church. The preacher emphasizes the need to believe that God can and will work in people's lives. He also highlights the need for repentance and turning away from sin in order to experience true revival. The sermon challenges the status quo and calls for a deeper commitment to God and a cleansing of the church.
(Come Up Higher) the Place of Blessing
By Zac Poonen1.9K55:39GEN 1:1PRO 10:22MAT 3:2MAT 6:33EPH 1:1EPH 1:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life that brings praise and glory to God's grace. He highlights the concept of the "summing up of all things in Christ," which refers to the administration suitable to the fullness of time. The speaker warns against using manipulative tactics, such as flattery and sob stories, to win someone's affection. He encourages listeners to prioritize their relationship with God and strive to be like Jesus, rather than seeking happiness in earthly possessions. The sermon is based on the book of Ephesians, specifically focusing on the theme of dwelling in the heavenly places.
Continuing Steadfastly
By Paris Reidhead1.8K57:13PerseveranceMAT 3:2MAT 4:17LUK 24:47ACT 2:37ACT 2:44In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal testimony of a man named Mr. Harold Hill, who was once a hopeless alcoholic. Mr. Hill had lost everything - his family, his business, his health, and his hope. However, when someone told him about Jesus Christ, he accepted Him into his heart and experienced a transformation. Jesus set him free from 22 years of alcohol addiction, restored his health, family, and business. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus Christ makes all the difference and urges college students to take this message seriously.
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.
A Prayer Meeting in Hell
By Reginald Cranston1.5K47:31Prayer MeetingMAT 3:2LUK 13:3LUK 16:19ACT 3:19In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the story of the rich man and Lazarus from the Bible. He emphasizes the rich man's cry for mercy and his realization that there was no escape from the torment of hell. The preacher urges the audience to repent and turn away from sin in order to avoid the same fate. He also highlights the rich man's request for Lazarus to warn his five brothers about the consequences of their actions. The sermon emphasizes the importance of heeding the warning and accepting Jesus as the only way to salvation.
God Bless the Small - Part 2
By Vance Havner1.5K23:52FaithMAT 3:2MAT 4:17MRK 6:12ACT 2:21ACT 2:38REV 2:5REV 3:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sense of expectancy and belief in God's ability to bring about revival. He acknowledges that not everyone may agree with his propositions, but he believes that every sermon has multiple layers of interpretation. The preacher highlights the need for repentance, both individually and within the church, as he believes that many church members show no evidence of being born again. He criticizes the idea of revival being solely focused on increasing church membership, stating that the true challenge lies in genuine repentance among Christians.
Grace Upon Grace
By Thaddeus Barnum1.5K31:00GraceMAT 3:2MAT 6:33JHN 4:10ROM 3:23EPH 3:5In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of sin and the need for a savior. He refers to a well-known verse in Romans chapter three, verse 23, which states that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. The preacher emphasizes that this applies to everyone, regardless of their position or actions. He highlights the importance of recognizing our sinfulness and the need for salvation through Jesus Christ. The sermon also touches on the conversation between Jesus and the woman at the well in John chapter 4, highlighting Jesus' initiation of the conversation and his conviction of her sin.
What Is Your Life - Part 11
By Leonard Ravenhill1.4K05:062CH 7:14PSA 119:105ISA 6:8JOL 2:28MAT 3:2ACT 2:421CO 2:16EPH 6:11This sermon emphasizes the importance of standing firm against the devil's intimidation by following Jesus' example of using the Word of God as a weapon. It calls for a transformation of the mind, hands, and feet to align with Christ, fostering a culture of prayer, intercession, and deep spiritual exploration. The prayer seeks for a powerful spiritual revival, repentance, and a renewed commitment to God's ways, anticipating a global awakening before judgment.
New Covenant - the Root of Sin - Part 1
By Zac Poonen1.4K09:35MAT 3:2MAT 3:9ROM 8:5PHP 3:19COL 3:2This sermon delves into the essence of the New Covenant as depicted in Matthew chapter 3, emphasizing the crucial act of turning from the Kingdom of Earth to the Kingdom of Heaven to truly embrace the New Covenant. It highlights the significance of setting our minds on heavenly things while engaging with earthly responsibilities, illustrating the analogy of a rubber band to depict this balance. The sermon also underscores the importance of having a clear goal in life that aligns with heavenly purposes to distinguish between living as a sinner or a saint.
(Matthew) Jesus Is the Messiah
By Pat Kenney1.4K48:55MessiahMAT 1:1MAT 3:2MAT 4:17MAT 28:19MRK 10:45LUK 2:52JHN 20:31In this sermon, the speaker addresses the question of "how can this be?" when faced with the grip of a sinful habit. He emphasizes that God wants to set us free and birth something new in us. The speaker also highlights the importance of repentance and turning to Jesus as our Savior. He encourages listeners to have faith and trust in God's plan for their lives, even when they may not understand how it will happen. The sermon emphasizes the call to be faithful in all areas of life and to honor God in everything we do.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And saying, Repent ye--Though the word strictly denotes a change of mind, it has respect here (and wherever it is used in connection with salvation) primarily to that sense of sin which leads the sinner to flee from the wrath to come, to look for relief only from above, and eagerly to fall in with the provided remedy. for the kingdom of heaven is at hand--This sublime phrase, used in none of the other Gospels, occurs in this peculiarly Jewish Gospel nearly thirty times; and being suggested by Daniel's grand vision of the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven to the Ancient of days, to receive His investiture in a world-wide kingdom (Dan 7:13-14), it was fitted at once both to meet the national expectations and to turn them into the right channel. A kingdom for which repentance was the proper preparation behooved to be essentially spiritual. Deliverance from sin, the great blessing of Christ's kingdom (Mat 1:21), can be valued by those only to whom sin is a burden (Mat 9:12). John's great work, accordingly, was to awaken this feeling and hold out the hope of a speedy and precious remedy.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And saying, repent ye,.... The doctrine which John preached was the doctrine of repentance; which may be understood either of amendment of life and manners; for the state of the Jews was then very corrupt, all sorts of men were grown very wicked; and though there was a generation among them, who were righteous in their own eyes, and needed no repentance; yet John calls upon them all, without any distinction, to repent; and hereby tacitly strikes at the doctrine of justification by works, which they had embraced, to which the doctrine of repentance is directly opposite: or rather, this is meant, as the word here used signifies, of a change of mind, and principles. The Jews had imbibed many bad notions. The Pharisees held the traditions of the elders, and the doctrine of justification by the works of the law; and the Sadducees denied the resurrection of the dead; and it was a prevailing opinion among them all, and seems to be what is particularly struck at by John, that the Messiah would be a temporal king, and set up an earthly kingdom in this world. Wherefore he exhorts them to change their minds, to relinquish this notion; assuring them, that though he would be a king, and would have a kingdom, which was near at hand, yet it would be a heavenly, and not an earthly one. Hence the manner in which John enforces his doctrine, or the reason and argument he uses to prevail upon them to regard it, is by saying, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand: by which is meant not the kingdom of glory to be expected in another world; or the kingdom of grace, that is internal grace, which only believers are partakers of in this; but the kingdom of the Messiah, which was "at hand", just ready to appear, when he would be made manifest in Israel and enter upon his work and office: it is the Gospel dispensation which was about to take place, and is so called; because of the wise and orderly management of it under Christ, the king and head of his church by the ministration of the word, and administration of ordinances; whereby, as means, spiritual and internal grace would be communicated to many, in whose hearts it would reign and make them meet for the kingdom of glory; and because the whole economy of the Gospel, the doctrines and ordinances of it are from heaven. This phrase, "the kingdom of heaven" is often to be met with in Jewish writings; and sometimes it stands opposed to the "kingdom of the earth" (r); by it is often meant the worship, service, fear, and love of God, and faith in him: thus in one of their books (s) having mentioned those words, "serve the Lord with fear": it is asked, what means this phrase, "with fear?" It is answered, the same as it is written, "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom"; and this is "the kingdom of heaven". And elsewhere they (t) ask, "what is the kingdom of heaven?" To which is answered, "the Lord our God is one Lord". Yea, the Lord God himself is so called (u), and sometimes the sanctuary; and sometimes they intend by it the times of the Messiah, as the Baptist here does; for so they paraphrase (w) those words, "the time of the singing of birds, or of pruning, is come; the time for Israel to be redeemed is come; the time for the uncircumcision to be cut off is come; the time that the kingdom of the Cuthites (Samaritans or Heathens) shall be consumed is come; and the time that "the kingdom of heaven shall be revealed" is come, as it is written, "and the Lord shall be king over all, the earth."'' Very pertinently does John make use of this argument to engage to repentance; since there cannot be a greater motive to it, whether it regard sorrow for sin, and confession of it, or a change of principles and practice, than the grace of God through Christ, which is exhibited in the Gospel dispensation: and very appropriately does he urge repentance previous to the kingdom of heaven; because without that there can be no true and cordial embracing or entering into the Gospel dispensation, or kingdom of heaven; that is, no real and hearty receiving the doctrines, and submitting to the ordinances of it. Nor ought the Jews above all people to object to John's method of preaching; since they make repentance absolutely necessary to the revelation of the Messiah and his kingdom, and redemption by him; for they say (x) in so many words, that "if Israel do not repent, they will never be redeemed; but as soon as they repent, they will be redeemed; yea, if they repent but one day, immediately the son of David will come.'' (r) Bereshit Rabba, fol. 7. 4. (s) Zohar in Exod. fol 39. 2. (t) Debarim Rabba, fol. 237. 2. (u) Zohar in Gen. fol. 112. 3. (w) Shirhashirim Rabba, fol. 11. 4. (x) T. Hieros. Taanith, fol. 63. 4. & 64. 1. & Bab. Sanhed. fol. 97. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:2 The prophetic call to return to God in repentance (cp. Isa 1:16-20) involves total reorientation from pride and sin to humble obedience to God (see Jer 3:11-22). John’s message included specific practical application (Luke 3:11-14).