Luke 3:21

21 One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. As he was praying, the heavens 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 John also publicly criticized Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, for marrying Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for many other wrongs he had done.
20 So Herod put John in prison, adding this sin to his many others.
21 One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. As he was praying, the heavens opened,
22 and the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy. ”
23 Jesus was about thirty years old when he began his public ministry. Jesus was known as the son of Joseph. Joseph was the son of Heli.
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