1:4 {2} John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the {d} baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
(2) The sum of John's doctrine, or rather Christ's, is remission of sins and amendment of life.
(d) The Jews used many kinds of washings: but here a peculiar kind of washing is spoken of, which contains within it true baptism, amendment of life, and forgiveness of sins.
1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness. For account of the wilderness and John the Baptist, see PNT Mt 3:1.
And preach the baptism of repentance. He preached, as well as baptized. Only those who repented were fit subjects of baptism. Hence it was called the baptism of repentance. Repentance signifies not only sorrow for sin, but the resolve to sin no more.
For the remission of sins. This indicates the object of repentance and baptism. Those who repented and were baptized were pardoned. Both were needful to remission. Compare Ac 2:38.
1:4 Preaching the baptism of repentance - That is, preaching repentance, and baptizing as a sign and means of it.
1:1-8. Isaiah and Malachi each spake concerning the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, in the ministry of John. From these prophets we may observe, that Christ, in his gospel, comes among us, bringing with him a treasure of grace, and a sceptre of government. Such is the corruption of the world, that there is great opposition to his progress. When God sent his Son into the world, he took care, and when he sends him into the heart, he takes care, to prepare his way before him. John thinks himself unworthy of the meanest office about Christ. The most eminent saints have always been the most humble. They feel their need of Christ's atoning blood and sanctifying Spirit, more than others. The great promise Christ makes in his gospel to those who have repented, and have had their sins forgiven them, is, they shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost; shall be purified by his graces, and refreshed by his comforts. We use the ordinances, word, and sacraments without profit and comfort, for the most part, because we have not of that Divine light within us; and we have it not because we ask it not; for we have his word that cannot fail, that our heavenly Father will give this light, his Holy Spirit, to those that ask it.
