John Calvin Commentary John 1:28

"These things were done in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing." — John 1:28 (ASV)

These things were done in Bethabara. The place is mentioned not only to authenticate the narrative but also to inform us that this answer was given in the midst of a numerous assembly of people; for many flocked to John’s baptism, and this was his usual place for baptizing.

It is also supposed by some to be a passage across the Jordan, and from this circumstance, they derive the name, for they interpret it the house of passage; unless perhaps some prefer the opinion of those who refer to the memorable passage of the people (Joshua 3:13), when God opened a way for them in the midst of the waters, under the direction of Joshua.

Others say that it should rather be read Betharaba. Instead of Bethabara, some have inserted the name Bethany here, but this is a mistake; for we will later see how near Bethany was to Jerusalem. The location of Bethabara, as set forth by those who have described the country, agrees best with the words of the Evangelist, though I have no wish to dispute about the pronunciation of the word.