Luke 3:21

The Baptism of Jesus

21 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as He was praying, heaven was opened, ¹

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 when he rebuked Herod the tetrarch regarding his brother’s wife Herodias and all the evils he had done,

20 Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.

21 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as He was praying, heaven was opened,

22 and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in a bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”

23 Jesus Himself was about thirty years old when He began His ministry. He was regarded as the son of Joseph, the son of Heli,

Cross References

• 1. (Matthew 3:13–17; Mark 1:9–11; John 1:29–34)