Luke's unprecedented seven-fold dating formula in verses 1-2 creates the most historically precise chronological anchor in the entire New Testament, situating John's ministry with Roman, Jewish, and regional authorities.
Luke 3
The Ministry of John the Baptist
1Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,
2during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness.
3He came into all the region around the Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for remission of sins.
4As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord. Make his paths straight.
5Every valley will be filled. Every mountain and hill will be brought low. The crooked will become straight, and the rough ways smooth.
6All flesh will see God’s salvation.’”
7He said therefore to the multitudes who went out to be baptized by him, “You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8Therefore produce fruits worthy of repentance, and don’t begin to say among yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father;’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones!
9Even now the ax also lies at the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
10The multitudes asked him, “What then must we do?”
11He answered them, “He who has two coats, let him give to him who has none. He who has food, let him do likewise.”
12Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what must we do?”
13He said to them, “Collect no more than that which is appointed to you.”
14Soldiers also asked him, saying, “What about us? What must we do?” He said to them, “Extort from no one by violence, neither accuse anyone wrongfully. Be content with your wages.”
15As the people were in expectation, and all men reasoned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he was the Christ,
16John answered them all, “I indeed baptize you with water, but he comes who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to loosen. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire.
17His winnowing fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor, and will gather the wheat into his barn; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
18Then with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people,
19but Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things which Herod had done,
20added this also to them all, that he shut up John in prison.
The Baptism of Jesus
21Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus also had been baptized and was praying. The sky was opened,
22and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form like a dove on him; and a voice came out of the sky, saying “You are my beloved Son. In you I am well pleased.”
The Genealogy of Jesus
23Jesus himself, when he began to teach, was about thirty years old, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli,
24the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph,
25the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai,
26the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Joseph, the son of Judah,
27the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri,
28the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmodam, the son of Er,
29the son of Jose, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi,
30the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonan, the son of Eliakim,
31the son of Melea, the son of Menan, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David,
32the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon,
33the son of Amminadab, the son of Aram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah,
34the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor,
35the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah,
36the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech,
37the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan,
38the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.
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Theme
Luke 3 introduces John the Baptist's ministry of repentance and baptism, carefully anchored in historical time through detailed political references. John preaches radical social transformation, calling people to practical righteousness while pointing beyond himself to the coming Messiah. The chapter culminates in Jesus' baptism, where the Trinity is revealed through the Spirit's descent and the Father's voice, followed by Jesus' genealogy tracing his lineage back to Adam.
Context
Following the nativity narrative, this chapter transitions from Jesus' childhood to his public ministry, setting the stage for his temptation and Galilean ministry in chapter 4.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-6 John's Ministry Begins Luke establishes the historical setting and introduces John's baptism of repentance as fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy.
- 7-14 Call to Repentance John demands genuine repentance with practical fruits, giving specific ethical instructions to different groups.
- 15-18 Pointing to the Messiah John clarifies his role as forerunner and describes the coming one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.
- 19-20 John's Imprisonment Herod imprisons John for confronting his immoral marriage to his brother's wife.
- 21-22 Jesus' Baptism Jesus is baptized and receives divine confirmation through the Spirit's descent and the Father's voice.
- 23-38 Jesus' Genealogy Luke traces Jesus' lineage through Joseph back to Adam, emphasizing his connection to all humanity.
The Ministry of John the Baptist
3:1–3:20 narrative speech urgent
John the Baptist begins his ministry, preaching baptism of repentance and calling people to produce fruits worthy of repentance. He emphasizes practical righteousness and prepares the way for the coming Messiah.
quotation_chain
Luke's unprecedented seven-fold dating formula in verses 1-2 creates the most historically precise chronological anchor in the entire New Testament, situating John's ministry with Roman, Jewish, and regional authorities.
The Baptism of Jesus
3:21–3:22 gospel narration solemn
Jesus is baptized and receives divine confirmation of his identity as God's beloved Son through the descent of the Holy Spirit and a voice from heaven. This marks the beginning of his public ministry with divine approval and empowerment.
person_contrast
Jesus, who elsewhere commands storms and judges hearts, here submits to baptism alongside common sinners, revealing divine humility through the Spirit's descent and the Father's voice.
The Genealogy of Jesus
3:23–3:38 genealogy narration contemplative
Luke traces Jesus' genealogy back through David and Abraham to Adam, emphasizing his connection to all humanity. This genealogy establishes Jesus' human lineage while highlighting his universal significance as the son of Adam and ultimately of God.
person_contrast
Luke uniquely traces Jesus' lineage to Adam rather than stopping at Abraham like Matthew, positioning Jesus as the universal Son of God for all humanity.
Insights
Jesus, who elsewhere commands storms and judges hearts, here submits to baptism alongside common sinners, revealing divine humility through the Spirit's descent and the Father's voice.
Luke uniquely traces Jesus' lineage to Adam rather than stopping at Abraham like Matthew, positioning Jesus as the universal Son of God for all humanity.
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
Luke 3:1 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 4:27 Lexical
“For truly, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together against yo…
Matthew 2:22 Lexical
But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in the place of his father, Herod, he was afraid to go there. B…
Mark 6:17 Lexical
For Herod himself had sent out and arrested John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s…
Matthew 14:3 Lexical
For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife.
1 Timothy 6:13 Lexical
I command you before God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who before Pontius Pilate testified the g…
Luke 3:2 3 references
Lexicals 3
Luke 1:13 Lexical
But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard. Your wife, Elizabeth, will…
John 18:24 Lexical
Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas, the high priest.
John 18:13 Lexical
and led him to Annas first, for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was high priest that year.
Luke 3:3 4 references
Lexicals 4
Mark 1:4 Lexical
John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching the baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins.
Luke 24:47 Lexical
and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Acts 5:31 Lexical
God exalted him with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins.
Matthew 3:5 Lexical
Then people from Jerusalem, all of Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him.
Luke 3:4 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 3:3 Lexical
For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, make the way…
Mark 1:3 Lexical
the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord! Make his paths straight!’”
John 1:23 Lexical
He said, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet sai…
Acts 7:42 Lexical
But God turned away and gave them up to serve the army of the sky, as it is written in the book of the prophets, ‘Did yo…
Acts 1:20 Lexical
For it is written in the book of Psalms, ‘Let his habitation be made desolate. Let no one dwell in it;’ and, ‘Let anothe…
Luke 3:5 1 reference
Luke 3:7 4 references
Lexicals 4
Matthew 3:7 Lexical
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them, “You offspring of vipers, w…
Matthew 23:33 Lexical
You serpents, you offspring of vipers, how will you escape the judgment of Gehenna?
Mark 1:5 Lexical
All the country of Judea and all those of Jerusalem went out to him. They were baptized by him in the Jordan river, conf…
Matthew 12:34 Lexical
You offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth sp…
Luke 3:8 4 references
Lexicals 4
Matthew 3:9 Lexical
Don’t think to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abr…
Luke 14:26 Lexical
“If anyone comes to me, and doesn’t disregard his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters, yes, and hi…
John 8:39 Lexical
They answered him, “Our father is Abraham.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works…
John 15:4 Lexical
Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can’t bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you,…
Luke 3:9 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 3:10 Lexical
Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down, and cas…
Matthew 7:19 Lexical
Every tree that doesn’t grow good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Matthew 18:8 Lexical
If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into lif…
Luke 6:43 Lexical
“For there is no good tree that produces rotten fruit, nor again a rotten tree that produces good fruit.
Matthew 7:18 Lexical
A good tree can’t produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit.
Luke 3:14 1 reference
Luke 3:15 1 reference
Luke 3:16 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 3:11 Lexical
“I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not wort…
Mark 1:7 Lexical
He preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down…
Acts 1:5 Lexical
For John indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
Acts 11:16 Lexical
I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spi…
John 1:27 Lexical
He is the one who comes after me, who is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I’m not worthy to loosen.”
Luke 3:17 3 references
Lexicals 3
Matthew 3:12 Lexical
His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into the…
Matthew 13:30 Lexical
Let both grow together until the harvest, and in the harvest time I will tell the reapers, “First, gather up the darnel…
Mark 9:43 Lexical
If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having your…
Luke 3:18 2 references
Luke 3:19 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 14:3 Lexical
For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife.
Mark 6:17 Lexical
For Herod himself had sent out and arrested John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s…
Luke 9:7 Lexical
Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him; and he was very perplexed, because it was said by some that Jo…
Luke 23:8 Lexical
Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad, for he had wanted to see him for a long time, because he had heard ma…
Mark 6:18 Lexical
For John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”
Luke 3:20 1 reference
Luke 3:21 3 references
Parallels 2
Luke 3:22 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 3:17 Lexical
Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Mark 1:11 Lexical
A voice came out of the sky, “You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
2 Peter 1:17 Lexical
For he received from God the Father honor and glory when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, “This is my belo…
Matthew 17:5 Lexical
While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “T…
Mark 1:10 Lexical
Immediately coming up from the water, he saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.
Luke 3:27 1 reference
Luke 3:32 1 reference
Luke 3:33 1 reference
Luke 3:34 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 22:32 Lexical
‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living…
Acts 7:32 Lexical
‘I am the God of your fathers: the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ Moses trembled and dared not…
Mark 12:26 Lexical
But about the dead, that they are raised, haven’t you read in the book of Moses about the Bush, how God spoke to him, sa…
Matthew 1:2 Lexical
Abraham became the father of Isaac. Isaac became the father of Jacob. Jacob became the father of Judah and his brothers.
Luke 13:28 Lexical
There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in God’s Kingdom, a…
Interlinear
Word-by-word original language
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Lemma
Morphology
Semantic Range
Theological Significance
Translation Notes
Key Passages
Historical Context
Places and events in this chapter
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Timeline
Baptism
~30 ADThe Christian sacrament of water immersion symbolizing death to sin and rebirth in Christ. Instituted by Jesus and practiced by the early church as a sign of conversion and discipleship.
Jesus receives divine confirmation of his identity as God's Son through baptism and heavenly voice.
The Baptism of Jesus