3:23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim. The site was first identified by Lt. Conder, of the British Palestine Exploration. He found a village of Ainun near another named Salim, not far from the Jordan, northeast of Samaria, with, as he says ( Tent Work, p. 92):
the two requisites for the scene of baptism of a large multitude;--an open space and abundance of water.''
Prof. McGarvey, who visited it, says,
Pools, well suited for baptizing are abundant.''
Because there was much water there. This explains, not why John preached at Aenon, but why he baptized there. Much water was essential to baptism in New Testament times.
3:23 John also was baptizing - He did not repel them that offered, but he more willingly referred them to Jesus.
3:22-36 John was fully satisfied with the place and work assigned him; but Jesus came on a more important work. He also knew that Jesus would increase in honour and influence, for of his government and peace there would be no end, while he himself would be less followed. John knew that Jesus came from heaven as the Son of God, while he was a sinful, mortal man, who could only speak about the more plain subjects of religion. The words of Jesus were the words of God; he had the Spirit, not by measure, as the prophets, but in all fulness. Everlasting life could only be had by faith in Him, and might be thus obtained; whereas all those, who believe not in the Son of God, cannot partake of salvation, but the wrath of God for ever rests upon them.
