Matthew 3 - IVP New Testament Commentaries

Preparation for Public Ministry

Matthew's introduction to Jesus' public ministry does not end with the stories of Jesus' childhood. Ancient biographies could include other introductory qualifications, and Matthew is no exception: he reports the attestation of the prophet John, of the heavenly voice and of Jesus' success in testing (3:1-4:11). Jesus' public ministry begins in 4:17.