George Hutcheson
28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Unto this testimony the Apostle John subjoyneth the place where it was given; It was, as the name signifieth, an ordinary place of passage over Jordan. This is remarked not onely to confirme the truth of the testimony, by recording the circumstances; But, 1. To shew that as this place where John baptized and preached, was an ordinary entry to the Land of Canaan; so Christ whom he preached is the Author, and the Sacrament he administred, a meane of entry into the heavenly Canaan. 2. To shew that faithful Ministers ought to omit no opportunities, but to take advantage of all occasions for setting forth of Christ, and gaining of souls to him: Therefore doth John make use of Bethabarah, to preach and baptize in, because of the daily concourse that was there.
