Luke 3:21

The Baptism of Jesus

21 Now it happened that when all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized, and [while he] was praying, heaven was opened,

Luke 3:21 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 3:21

Now when all the people were baptized
That came from several parts to John for this purpose, even as many as he judged to be proper subjects of that ordinance, as many of the common people, publicans, soldiers

it came to pass that Jesus also being baptized;
of John in Jordan, he coming from Galilee thither on that account:

and praying;
after he was baptized, for the coming down of the Spirit upon him, as man, to anoint, and qualify him for his office he was now about to enter on publicly: and for success in it, and for a testimony from heaven, that he was the Son of God, and true Messiah:

the heaven was opened;
(See Gill on Matthew 3:16).

Luke 3:21 In-Context

19 But Herod the tetrarch, who had been reproved by him concerning Herodias, his brother's wife, and concerning all the evil deeds that Herod had done,

20 added this also to them all: he also locked up John in prison.

21 Now it happened that when all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized, and [while he] was praying, heaven was opened,

22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."

23 And Jesus, [when he] began [his ministry], was himself about thirty years [old], being the son (as it was believed) of Joseph the [son] of Eli,

Footnotes

• [a]. *Here "[while]" is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle ("was praying")