were baptized] Washed by dipping in Jordan, as Mark 7:4. Hebrews 9:10. So the Jews used formerly to do with their proselytes. But this was by speciall commission, John 1. 33. confessing their sins] In words, professing their detestation of them, and repentance for them: or, by that rite acknowledging they were sinners, and that their souls needed washing.