Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 3:6

"and they were baptized of him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins." — Matthew 3:6 (ASV)

Confession of sin was commanded in the law, not only as part of a priest’s duties (Leviticus 16:21), but as an individual responsibility for wrongs done (Leviticus 5:5; Leviticus 26:40; Numbers 5:6–7). In Israel’s better days this was carried out (Nehemiah 9:2–3; Psalms 32:5). In the NT (cf. Acts 19:18) confession is scarcely less important. Since John was urging people to prepare for Messiah’s coming by repenting and being baptized, we may surmise that open renunciation of sin was a precondition of his baptism.

The Jordan River is fast flowing. No doubt John stationed himself at one of the fords as he prepared the way for the Lord.