Matthew 3:2 And saying, Repent you: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. I. A GENERAL VIEW OF THE CHARACTER, OFFICE, AND MINISTRY OF THE BAPTIST. It was preparatory to setting up the gospel kingdom. II. The appropriate CONNECTION BETWEEN REPENTANCE AND ANY PART IN THE KINGDOM of heaven, between spiritual conviction of sin and the realized advent of Him who is to deliver us from its guilt and power. The results of such preaching: — 1. Humiliating convictions of sin. 2. It makes ready for the reception of saving faith. (D. Moore, M. A.) I. The CHARACTER OF THE PERSONS to whom John's exhortation was addressed (Luke 3.) Many of them were soldiers and publicans, or Roman tax-gatherers, generally notoriously wicked. But many of them were brought to a temporary repentance (Luke 3:10-14). The bulk of them were professedly members of the Jewish Church (Luke 3:15), and among them many of their two great sects — Sadducees and Pharisees. II. WHAT THIS EXHORTATION IMPLIES. Repentance — after-thought and consideration; hence arises conviction, humiliation, etc. A change of mind and heart (Matthew 3:7-10; Luke 3:7-14; 2 Corinthians 7:10, 11). This doctrine is equally necessary to be inculcated upon us. III. The MOTIVES by which the exhortation is enforced. The gospel dispensation is come (Luke 1:78, 79). And thus is a foundation laid for repentance. Jesus is exalted to give repentance (Acts 5:31). (Joseph Benson.) Parallel Verses KJV: And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. |
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