Matthew demonstrates that Jesus of Nazareth is the long-awaited Messiah, the king of Israel, who fulfills the Old Testament promises yet turns the expectation of his contemporaries on its head. The Gospel of Matthew shows how both Jewish and non-Jewish people fit together in God’s unfolding Kingdom. It challenges the reader to live with total commitment to Jesus Christ as king. Setting Matthew …
1En aquellos días vino Juan el Bautista predicando en el desierto de Judea,
2y diciendo: Arrepentíos, porque el reino de los cielos se ha acercado.
3Pues este es aquel de quien habló el profeta Isaías, cuando dijo: Voz del que clama en el desierto: Preparad el camino del Señor, Enderezad sus sendas.
4Y Juan estaba vestido de pelo de camello, y tenía un cinto de cuero alrededor de sus lomos; y su comida era langostas y miel silvestre.
5Y salía a él Jerusalén, y toda Judea, y toda la provincia de alrededor del Jordán,
6y eran bautizados por él en el Jordán, confesando sus pecados.
7Al ver él que muchos de los fariseos y de los saduceos venían a su bautismo, les decía: ¡Generación de víboras! ¿Quién os enseñó a huir de la ira venidera?
8Haced, pues, frutos dignos de arrepentimiento,
9y no penséis decir dentro de vosotros mismos: A Abraham tenemos por padre; porque yo os digo que Dios puede levantar hijos a Abraham aun de estas piedras.
10Y ya también el hacha está puesta a la raíz de los árboles; por tanto, todo árbol que no da buen fruto es cortado y echado en el fuego.
11Yo a la verdad os bautizo en agua para arrepentimiento; pero el que viene tras mí, cuyo calzado yo no soy digno de llevar, es más poderoso que yo; él os bautizará en Espíritu Santo y fuego.
12Su aventador está en su mano, y limpiará su era; y recogerá su trigo en el granero, y quemará la paja en fuego que nunca se apagará.
13Entonces Jesús vino de Galilea a Juan al Jordán, para ser bautizado por él.
14Mas Juan se le oponía, diciendo: Yo necesito ser bautizado por ti, ¿y tú vienes a mí?
15Pero Jesús le respondió: Deja ahora, porque así conviene que cumplamos toda justicia. Entonces le dejó.
16Y Jesús, después que fue bautizado, subió luego del agua; y he aquí los cielos le fueron abiertos, y vio al Espíritu de Dios que descendía como paloma, y venía sobre él.
17Y hubo una voz de los cielos, que decía: Este es mi Hijo amado, en quien tengo complacencia.
TYNDALE OPEN STUDY NOTES
I
Versículo 1
I. 3:1 John the Baptist announced Jesus’ coming (see Mark 1:1-11; Luke 3:1-22; John 1:6-8, 19-34) an…
3:1 John the Baptist announced Jesus’ coming (see Mark 1:1-11; Luke 3:1-22; John 1:6-8, 19-34) and prepared people to receive him (Matt 3:3). John attracted large crowds (3:5) and a group of disciples (9:14). This group continued for a short time as a movement, even as the Christian church emerged (see Acts 18:24-28). • John’s locale in the Judean wilderness had symbolic significance: The wilderness was associated with the giving of the law (see Exod 19:1) and with God’s final redemption of Israel at the end of history (see Isa 40:3).
II
Versículo 2
II. 3:2 The prophetic call to return to God in repentance (cp. Isa 1:16-20) involves total reorientat…
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).
III
Versículo 3
III. 3:3 Isaiah had spoken of a messenger preparing a highway in the wilderness for Israel’s God to re…
3:3 Isaiah had spoken of a messenger preparing a highway in the wilderness for Israel’s God to return to the land (Isa 40:1-11). John’s ministry prepared the way for Jesus’ arrival (see Matt 11:10; cp. John 12:41).
IV
Versículo 4
IV. 3:4 John’s clothes and food correspond to those of his prophetic predecessor, Elijah (2 Kgs 1:8; …
3:4 John’s clothes and food correspond to those of his prophetic predecessor, Elijah (2 Kgs 1:8; Mal 4:5; Sirach 48:10-11).
V
Versículo 5
V. 3:5-6 John’s ministry became so popular that many people from Jerusalem and Judea came to hear hi…
3:5-6 John’s ministry became so popular that many people from Jerusalem and Judea came to hear him. • they confessed their sins: Those who responded to John’s preaching and turned away from sin were prepared to receive Jesus’ ministry (Luke 7:27, 29). • he baptized them: John’s practice of baptism may have originated with the Old Testament idea of purification (see Isa 1:16; 4:4; Ezek 36:25).
VI
Versículo 7
VI. 3:7 The Pharisees’ name derives from the Hebrew term perushim, meaning either separated ones or e…
3:7 The Pharisees’ name derives from the Hebrew term perushim, meaning either separated ones or exact interpreters. • The Sadducees, a priestly class, probably derive their name from Zadok the priest (2 Sam 15:24-29; Ezek 44:10-16).
VII
Versículo 8
VII. 3:8 Prove . . . that you have . . . turned to God (literally make fruit that accords with repenta…
3:8 Prove . . . that you have . . . turned to God (literally make fruit that accords with repentance): John calls for action and true ethical change; mere lip service will not do (see Luke 3:10-14; cp. Matt 5:19-20, 46; 7:21; 23:3).
VIII
Versículo 9
VIII. 3:9 We’re safe: Some had wrongly assumed that, since they were descendants of Abraham, they were …
3:9 We’re safe: Some had wrongly assumed that, since they were descendants of Abraham, they were exempt from judgment. • A prominent theme in Matthew is how God will create new children of Abraham by bringing the Gentiles into God’s people and removing from his people Jews who reject the Messiah (see 8:11-12; 21:43; 22:1-14; 28:16-20; Rom 4:9-25; Gal 3:6-14, 29).
IX
Versículo 11
IX. 3:11 who is greater than I am: Despite his popularity and growing following, John had a clear sen…
3:11 who is greater than I am: Despite his popularity and growing following, John had a clear sense of his role as subordinate to the Messiah. • I’m not worthy even to be his slave: In Jewish culture, to remove and carry someone’s sandals, even those of a rabbi, was too lowly a task even for the rabbi’s disciple. It was a job reserved for slaves. • with the Holy Spirit and with fire: This happened at Pentecost (see Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:1-47); the ministry of Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit (see Matt 12:28; Luke 4:14), may also be included. Fire may refer to purification (Zech 13:9) or judgment (Mal 4:1; see Isa 1:25; 4:4; Mal 3:2-3). It is a “Spirit-and-fire baptism”; the Messiah puts into effect what John could only prepare—thoroughgoing judgment and purification.
X
Versículo 12
X. 3:12 Farmers would use a winnowing fork to toss harvested grain into the air, allowing the useles…
3:12 Farmers would use a winnowing fork to toss harvested grain into the air, allowing the useless husks (chaff) to blow away. The Messiah’s ministry divides all humanity into two groups: (1) the wheat, that is, those who respond, forming the new people of God; and (2) the chaff, the unrepentant (see 3:8).
XI
Versículo 14
XI. 3:14 As John had already confessed (3:11-12), he was lesser than the Messiah, so he felt unfit to…
3:14 As John had already confessed (3:11-12), he was lesser than the Messiah, so he felt unfit to baptize him.
XII
Versículo 15
XII. 3:15 for we must carry out all that God requires: Or for we must fulfill all righteousness. This …
3:15 for we must carry out all that God requires: Or for we must fulfill all righteousness. This statement refers to accomplishing what the Old Testament demanded or foreshadowed (e.g., Jer 31:31-34). “Righteousness” in Matthew refers to behavior that conforms to God’s will (see Matt 5:20; 6:1, 33; 21:32).
XIII
Versículo 16
XIII. 3:16 The Spirit of God descending like a dove was anointing Jesus, through whom salvation would c…
3:16 The Spirit of God descending like a dove was anointing Jesus, through whom salvation would come. This event was like a king’s being anointed with oil at his coronation. The Holy Spirit empowered Jesus to accomplish God’s salvation and defeat Satan (see 12:18, 28). This same Spirit empowers Jesus’ followers (10:20; Acts 1:8).
XIV
Versículo 17
XIV. 3:17 my dearly loved Son (see Ps 2:7): The title “Son of God” reveals and clarifies Jesus’ nature…
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.
Nuevo Testamento
Matthew — Capítulo 3
Matthew demonstrates that Jesus of Nazareth is the long-awaited Messiah, the king of Israel, who fulfills the Old Testament promises yet turns the expectation of his contemporaries on its head. The Gospel of Matthew shows how both Jewish and non-Jewish people fit together in God’s unfolding Kingdom. It challenges the reader to live with total commitment to Jesus Christ as king. Setting Matthew …
Texto — Reina-Valera 1960
1En aquellos días vino Juan el Bautista predicando en el desierto de Judea,
2y diciendo: Arrepentíos, porque el reino de los cielos se ha acercado.
3Pues este es aquel de quien habló el profeta Isaías, cuando dijo: Voz del que clama en el desierto: Preparad el camino del Señor, Enderezad sus sendas.
4Y Juan estaba vestido de pelo de camello, y tenía un cinto de cuero alrededor de sus lomos; y su comida era langostas y miel silvestre.
5Y salía a él Jerusalén, y toda Judea, y toda la provincia de alrededor del Jordán,
6y eran bautizados por él en el Jordán, confesando sus pecados.
7Al ver él que muchos de los fariseos y de los saduceos venían a su bautismo, les decía: ¡Generación de víboras! ¿Quién os enseñó a huir de la ira venidera?
8Haced, pues, frutos dignos de arrepentimiento,
9y no penséis decir dentro de vosotros mismos: A Abraham tenemos por padre; porque yo os digo que Dios puede levantar hijos a Abraham aun de estas piedras.
10Y ya también el hacha está puesta a la raíz de los árboles; por tanto, todo árbol que no da buen fruto es cortado y echado en el fuego.
11Yo a la verdad os bautizo en agua para arrepentimiento; pero el que viene tras mí, cuyo calzado yo no soy digno de llevar, es más poderoso que yo; él os bautizará en Espíritu Santo y fuego.
12Su aventador está en su mano, y limpiará su era; y recogerá su trigo en el granero, y quemará la paja en fuego que nunca se apagará.
13Entonces Jesús vino de Galilea a Juan al Jordán, para ser bautizado por él.
14Mas Juan se le oponía, diciendo: Yo necesito ser bautizado por ti, ¿y tú vienes a mí?
15Pero Jesús le respondió: Deja ahora, porque así conviene que cumplamos toda justicia. Entonces le dejó.
16Y Jesús, después que fue bautizado, subió luego del agua; y he aquí los cielos le fueron abiertos, y vio al Espíritu de Dios que descendía como paloma, y venía sobre él.
17Y hubo una voz de los cielos, que decía: Este es mi Hijo amado, en quien tengo complacencia.
TYNDALE OPEN STUDY NOTES
Versículo 1
I. 3:1 John the Baptist announced Jesus’ coming (see Mark 1:1-11; Luke 3:1-22; John 1:6-8, 19-34) an…
Versículo 2
II. 3:2 The prophetic call to return to God in repentance (cp. Isa 1:16-20) involves total reorientat…
Versículo 3
III. 3:3 Isaiah had spoken of a messenger preparing a highway in the wilderness for Israel’s God to re…
Versículo 4
IV. 3:4 John’s clothes and food correspond to those of his prophetic predecessor, Elijah (2 Kgs 1:8; …
Versículo 5
V. 3:5-6 John’s ministry became so popular that many people from Jerusalem and Judea came to hear hi…
Versículo 7
VI. 3:7 The Pharisees’ name derives from the Hebrew term perushim, meaning either separated ones or e…
Versículo 8
VII. 3:8 Prove . . . that you have . . . turned to God (literally make fruit that accords with repenta…
Versículo 9
VIII. 3:9 We’re safe: Some had wrongly assumed that, since they were descendants of Abraham, they were …
Versículo 11
IX. 3:11 who is greater than I am: Despite his popularity and growing following, John had a clear sen…
Versículo 12
X. 3:12 Farmers would use a winnowing fork to toss harvested grain into the air, allowing the useles…
Versículo 14
XI. 3:14 As John had already confessed (3:11-12), he was lesser than the Messiah, so he felt unfit to…
Versículo 15
XII. 3:15 for we must carry out all that God requires: Or for we must fulfill all righteousness. This …
Versículo 16
XIII. 3:16 The Spirit of God descending like a dove was anointing Jesus, through whom salvation would c…
Versículo 17
XIV. 3:17 my dearly loved Son (see Ps 2:7): The title “Son of God” reveals and clarifies Jesus’ nature…