John 3:23 — Community Reflections

JOHN 3:23 — KING JAMES VERSION 0

“And John also was baptizing in Ænon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.”

Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized — the dual baptizing ministries create a narrative tension: both Jesus and John baptize simultaneously. The historical detail (Aenon near Salim, water abundance) suggests eyewitness remembrance. The parallel ministries invite comparison of authority and effectiveness.

Church Fathers on John 3:23

Nothing is more open than truth, nothing bolder; it neither seeks concealment, or avoids danger, or fears the snare, or cares for popularity. It is subject to no human weakness. Our Lord went up to Jerusalem at the feasts, not from ostentation or love of honor, but to teach the people His doctrines, and show miracles of mercy. After the festival He visited the crowds who were collected at the Jordan. After these things came Jesus and His disciples into the land of Judea; and…
Chrysostom · 4th century

After these things, is not immediately after His dispute with Nicodemus, which took place at Jerusalem; but on His return to Jerusalem after some. time spent in Galilee.
Bede · 8th century

By Judea are meant those who confess, whom Christ visits; for wherever there is confession of sins, or the praise of God, thither comes Christ and His disciples, i. e. His doctrine and enlightenment; and there He is known by His cleansing men from sin: And there He tarried with them, and baptized.
Alcuin · 8th century

Read all 15 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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