Luke 3:1-38 King James Bible KJV
The Introduction of John the Baptist, John’s Call to Repentance, the Baptism of Jesus, Jesus’ Genealogy
Luke 3:1-38 King James Bible KJV. Luke Chapter 3 marks a pivotal moment in the New Testament as it sets the stage for the public ministry of Jesus. It emphasizes preparation for the arrival of Jesus through repentance and righteous living. John the Baptist serves as a forerunner, preaching repentance, and the baptism of Jesus marks the divine endorsement of His mission. The genealogy reinforces Jesus’ universal significance, showing His connection to all humanity. The chapter’s message is about spiritual renewal, the coming of salvation through Jesus, and the necessity of preparing oneself to receive Him.
Luke 3:1-38 King James Bible KJV
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Introduction of John the Baptist – verses 1-6
The chapter begins by introducing John the Baptist, who is preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. He is fulfilling the prophecy from Isaiah, described as “a voice of one calling in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord.’” John’s primary role is to prepare the hearts of the people for the coming of Jesus. He preaches repentance and a return to righteous living as a way of making the people ready to receive Christ.
John’s Call to Repentance – verses 7-14
John is direct and confrontational, calling people a “brood of vipers” and urging them to produce fruit in keeping with repentance. He warns against relying on heritage (being descendants of Abraham) for salvation and emphasizes that true repentance is reflected in actions. Various groups ask John what they should do to show their repentance. He gives practical instructions, such as sharing with the needy, being honest in one’s work, and avoiding exploitation (especially to tax collectors and soldiers).
John Prepares the Way for Jesus – verses 15-20
People begin to wonder if John might be the Messiah, but he humbly points to the coming of someone greater than him, saying that he baptizes with water, but the one coming after him (Jesus) will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. He also mentions that the Messiah will bring judgment, separating the righteous from the wicked. The passage briefly notes that John was imprisoned by Herod for rebuking him over his immoral behavior, specifically for marrying Herodias, his brother’s wife.
The Baptism of Jesus – verses 21-22
Though sinless, Jesus is baptized by John, an act of humility and identification with humanity. After His baptism, the heavens open, the Holy Spirit descends upon Him in the form of a dove, and a voice from heaven declares, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” This marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and confirms His identity as the Son of God.
The Genealogy of Jesus – verses 23-38
The chapter concludes with the genealogy of Jesus, tracing His lineage back to Adam, emphasizing His connection to all humanity. This contrasts with the genealogy in Matthew, which starts from Abraham, focusing on Jesus’ Jewish heritage, whereas Luke presents Jesus as the Savior for all people.
Luke 3:1-38 King James Bible KJV
1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,
2 Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
4 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
10 And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?
11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.
12 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?
13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.
15 And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;
16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
17 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.
18 And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.
19 But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,
20 Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.
21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
23 And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,
24 Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph, 25 Which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Amos, which was the son of Naum, which was the son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge,
26 Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda,
27 Which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabel, which was the son of Salathiel, which was the son of Neri,
28 Which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Addi, which was the son of Cosam, which was the son of Elmodam, which was the son of Er,
29 Which was the son of Jose, which was the son of Eliezer, which was the son of Jorim, which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi,
30 Which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Jonan, which was the son of Eliakim,
31 Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David,
32 Which was the son of Jesse, which was the son of Obed, which was the son of Booz, which was the son of Salmon, which was the son of Naasson,
33 Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda,
34 Which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the son of Abraham, which was the son of Thara, which was the son of Nachor,
35 Which was the son of Saruch, which was the son of Ragau, which was the son of Phalec, which was the
son of Heber, which was the son of Sala,
36 Which was the son of Cainan, which was the son of Arphaxad, which was the son of Sem, which was the son of Noe, which was the son of Lamech,
37 Which was the son of Mathusala, which was the son of Enoch, which was the son of Jared, which was the son of Maleleel, which was the son of Cainan,
38 Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.