Most scholars assume that Matthew is dependent upon Mark for this account. However, the choice of words and the phrase and clause structure differ so much from the Marcan text that there is a strong argument in favor of its being an independent oral or written tradition.

Then (Good News Translation “At that time”) translates one of Matthew’s favorite particles; see comment at 2.7. Here a phrase such as “A short time later,” “Soon afterward,” or “About that time” will be acceptable.

As in 3.1, instead of came, many languages will have to say “went.”

Galilee refers to the region or province. Some languages will need to specify this: “region of Galilee.”

It may or may not be necessary to specify that Jordan here is the river, since that fact has already been mentioned.

Jesus went to John, that is, to where John was at that time.

Notice the way Good News Translation has restructured. Whether it is better to say “to John at the Jordan” or “to the Jordan to John” will depend on the normal structure of the language of the translator.

To be baptized by him differs from the Marcan wording “and was baptized by John.” Thus Matthew shows purpose and intent on the part of Jesus. This can be expressed by phrases such as “so that John would baptize him,” “to have John baptize him,” “to ask John to baptize him,” or “because he wanted John to baptize him.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on the Gospel of Matthew. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1988. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .