IN those dayes] The Evangelist omits the course of our Saviours life in private, and begins at his preparation for his publike ministery, intending not to satisfie mens curiositie, but to write those things that may further our salvation. The dayes here mentioned, are not meant of Christs first setling in Nazareth, but while he abode there: for this was done above twenty yeers after his coming thither. See Luke 3. 23. came] Gr. cometh. He went not far, but shewed himself then, Luke 1, 80. John the Baptist] Mark 1:4. Luke 3:2. So called, because he was the first that was sent by God to baptize, John 1:33. John, who through his singular holinesse, and rare austerenesse of life, caused all men to cast their eyes upon him, now prepareth the way for Christ, following fast at his heels, as the prophet Isaiah foretold: and delivereth the sum of the Gospel, which in short space after should be delivered more fully. in the wildernesse of Judea] A place more fit for pasture, then for corn, Luke 15:4. and full of mountains, Luke 1:39. yet inhabited, though not so full of towns and houses as other parts of Judea, 1 Kings 2:34. Joshua 15:61. 1 Samuel 25:1-2. It seems not to be far from his fathers house, Luke 1:39-40. and the place where he lived, till he shewed himself to Israel, Luke 1:80.