Mat 3:13-16 | RWP | e4.org | Then cometh Jesus ( τοτε παραγινετα ο Ιησους ). The same historical present used in . He comes all the way from Galilee to Jordan "to be baptized by him" ( του βαπτισθηνα υπο αυτου ). The genitive articular infinitive of purpose, a very common idiom. The fame of John had reached Nazareth and the hour has come for which Jesus has waited.

‏ Matthew 3:13-16

Then cometh Jesus ( τοτε παραγινετα ο Ιησους ). The same historical present used in 3:1. He comes all the way from Galilee to Jordan "to be baptized by him" ( του βαπτισθηνα υπο αυτου ). The genitive articular infinitive of purpose, a very common idiom. The fame of John had reached Nazareth and the hour has come for which Jesus has waited.

Would have hindered ( διεκωλυεν ). Rather "tried to prevent" as Moffatt has it. It is the conative imperfect. The two men of destiny are face to face for the first time apparently. The Coming One stands before John and he recognizes him before the promised sign is given.

To fulfil all righteousness ( πληρωσα πασαν δικαιοσυνην ). The explanation of Jesus satisfies John and he baptizes the Messiah though he has no sins to confess. It was proper ( πρεπον ) to do so else the Messiah would seem to hold aloof from the Forerunner. Thus the ministries of the two are linked together.

The Spirit of God descending as a dove ( πνευμα θεου καταβαινον ωσε περιστεραν ). It is not certain whether Matthew means that the Spirit of God took the form of a dove or came upon Jesus as a dove comes down. Either makes sense, but Luke (Lu 3:22) has it "in bodily form as a dove" and that is probably the idea here. The dove in Christian art has been considered the symbol of the Holy Spirit.