“Erat autem et Joannes baptizans, in Ænnon, juxta Salim : quia aquæ multæ erant illic, et veniebant et baptizabantur.”
“And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.”
“Now John was also baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because the water was plentiful there, and people kept coming to be baptized.”
“John also was baptizing in Enon near Salim, because there was much water there. They came, and were baptized.”
“And John also was baptizing in Enon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.”
Salem. A town situated upon the river Jordan, where formerly Melchisedech reigned. (Ven. Bede)
Soon after our Saviour had had the forementioned conference with Nicodemus, which it is believed he had at Jerusalem, not (as some think) in Galilee, for then Nicodemus would hardly have come to him by night, he came into the land of Judea. He had before been in the province of Judea, and in the metropolis, or great city, of Judea, which was Jerusalem; but now he goeth into the country of Judea. Judah and Jerusalem are often mentioned distinctly. The chief city of a country is oft distinguished from the country, though within the same province and tribe; see Jos 8:1, the king of Ai, his city, and his land; and in particular as to Jerusalem, 2Ch 11:14 20:17 2Ch 36:23 Ezr 2:1 Luk 5:17 6:17, Christ and his disciples went into the country part of Judea; by his disciples, for himself personally baptized none; but as in our common speech, so in the language of Scripture, there is nothing more ordinary than for persons to be said themselves to do what they do by others, 1Sa 26:11,12 2Ki 22:16 2Ch 34:24 Act 7:52.
II. John's continuance in his work, as long as his opportunities lasted, v. 23, 24. Here we are told,
Verses 22-36 John was fully satisfied with the place and work assigned him; but Jesus came on a more important work. He also knew that Jesus would increase in honour and influence, for of his government and peace there would be no end, while he himself would be less followed. John knew that Jesus came from heaven as the Son of God, while he was a sinful, mortal man, who could only speak about the more plain subjects of religion. The words of Jesus were the words of God; he had the Spirit, not by measure, as the prophets, but in all fulness. Everlasting life could only be had by faith in Him, and might be thus obtained; whereas all those, who believe not in the Son of God, cannot partake of salvation, but the wrath of God for ever rests upon them.