And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
Matthew 3:6; Mark 1:5. And were baptized, confessing their sins This confession was a testimony of repentance: for, as the Lord, in the sacraments, brings himself under obligation to us, as if he had given his own hand-writing, so it is our duty, on the other hand, to reply to him. In Baptism, he declares that our sins are forgiven, and calls us to repentance.
The fulness of time had come for the gospel to dawn. Christ and John both lay hidden in obscurity through their childhood and youth, not recorded, not remarkable, to teach us that God often hides Himself even while He works, and that our faith must look to Christ's office and undertaking, where His power truly shines.
AI summary
Commenting on Matthew 3:1-6
And were baptized of him,.... The place where they were baptized of him was, "in Jordan"; some copies read, "in the river Jordan", as in Mar 1:5. As to the name of this river, and the etymology of it, the Jews say (l) it was so called, "because it descended" from Dan, i.e. Leshem Dan, or Pamias, which they say is a cave at the head of it.