Baptism in early Christianity River Jordan. He baptized Jews for repentance in the River Jordan. At the start of his ministry, Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Critical scholars broadly agree that the baptism of Jesus is one of the most authentic, or historically likely, events in the life of the historical Jesus. Christian baptism has its origin in the baptism of Jesus, in both a direct and historical sense. Many of the earliest followers of Jesus were people who, like him, were baptized in the Jordan by John the Baptist. The Gospel of John states that Jesus at an early stage led
Jesus baptism in Matthew is similar. Here, before Jesus' baptism, John protests, saying, "I need to be baptized by you" (). Jesus instructs him to carry on with the baptism "to fulfill all righteousness" (). Matthew also details the three temptations that Satan offers Jesus in the wilderness (). In Luke, the Holy Spirit descends as a dove after everyone has been baptized and Jesus is praying (). John implicitly recognizes Jesus from prison after sending his followers to ask about him (). Jesus' baptism and temptation serve as preparation for his public ministry. The Gospel of John leaves out Jesus'