Albert Barnes Commentary John 3:23

"And John also was baptizing in Enon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized." — John 3:23 (ASV)

In Enon. The word Enon, or AEnon, means a fountain, and was undoubtedly given to this place because of the fountains there. Nothing certain has been determined about the situation of the place. Eusebius places it 8 Roman miles south of Scythopolis or Bethshen, and 53 miles northeast of Jerusalem.

Near to Salim. It would seem from this that Salim was better known at that time than Enon, but nothing can be determined now regarding its site. These places are believed to have been on the west side of the Jordan.

Because there was much water there. John's preaching attracted great multitudes. It appears that they remained with him for probably many days. In many parts of that country, particularly in the hilly region near where John preached, it was difficult to find enough water to meet the needs of the people, and perhaps also for the camels of those who came from a distance.

To meet their needs, as well as for the purpose of baptizing, he selected a spot that was well watered, probably with springs and rivulets. Whether the ordinance of baptism was performed by immersion or in any other mode, the selection of a well-watered place was proper and necessary.

The fact that much water was there, and that John selected it as a convenient place to carry out his ministry as a baptizer, proves nothing regarding the mode in which the ordinance was administered, since he would naturally select such a place, whatever the mode.

Whenever many people gathered to stay for any length of time, it was necessary to select such a place, whatever their activity. An encampment of soldiers is established on the same principles. In every camp meeting I have ever seen, a place is selected where there is a good supply of water, even if not one person is immersed during the entire services.

Since all the facts in this case are fully consistent with the supposition that John might have baptized in some way other than immersion, and since it is easy to conceive of another reason sufficient to explain why such a place was selected, this passage certainly should not be cited to prove that he performed baptism only in that manner.