This came as news to me because for some reason, I always believed that Jesus did not baptize anyone while he was with us and that it was only until after he ascended to heaven that he sent the Holy Spirit to baptize people then.
But, it says in John 3:22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. 23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
So, two things: One, it says Jesus did these things in the land of Judaea. Two, it clarifies in the following verse that John did the baptizing with water. So, I am assuming the previous verse mentioning Jesus baptizing was done with the Holy Spirit.
Furthermore, and grievously in Jerusalem, it says in the prior chapter, John 2: (Underscore mine for emphasis)
23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. 24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, 25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
So, Jesus apparently did not baptize anyone in Jerusalem even though they "believed" when they saw the miracles. But, Jesus did not "commit" himself to them. (John 2:24) That phrase "commit himself to them" makes me wonder if it means he did not save anyone there. Sadly, he wept over Jerusalem as they were lost and he declared their house was left to them desolate. (Matthew 23:38 + Luke 13:35.)
My interpretation is this is frightening and part of how one trembles and fears God. All thoughts are welcome.
But, it says in John 3:22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. 23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
So, two things: One, it says Jesus did these things in the land of Judaea. Two, it clarifies in the following verse that John did the baptizing with water. So, I am assuming the previous verse mentioning Jesus baptizing was done with the Holy Spirit.
Furthermore, and grievously in Jerusalem, it says in the prior chapter, John 2: (Underscore mine for emphasis)
23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. 24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, 25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
So, Jesus apparently did not baptize anyone in Jerusalem even though they "believed" when they saw the miracles. But, Jesus did not "commit" himself to them. (John 2:24) That phrase "commit himself to them" makes me wonder if it means he did not save anyone there. Sadly, he wept over Jerusalem as they were lost and he declared their house was left to them desolate. (Matthew 23:38 + Luke 13:35.)
My interpretation is this is frightening and part of how one trembles and fears God. All thoughts are welcome.
