Matthew Poole and continuators on Matthew 3:5

5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the Region round about Jordan.

The Preacher being described, the Evangelist proceedeth to tell us what Auditors he had. The term all here twice repeated, is enough to let us know, that it is often in Scripture significative, no further then Many, for it cannot be imagined, that every individual Person in Ierusalem, and the Region about Iordan went to hear Iohn the Baptist, but a great many did: It is not to be admired that there went out such a Con-course of People to hear Iohn the Baptist. 1. If it be true, that from Ezra's time till now, no Prophet had appeared: Our Saviour speaking of Iohn, what went you out for to see? A Prophet? Seems to hint that a Prophet was a great Rarity amongst them. 2. If we consider the Severity of his Life. Our Saviour saith he came neither eating or drinking, that is as other Men. 3. If we consider the new Doctrine he brought, and his Fervency in the pressing it, he came to Preach the Messias, whom the Iews had long expected; to tell them his Kingdom was at hand. 4. Especially if we consider the new Rite of Baptizing, which he brought in. For admit their washing of Proselytes in use before, yet he baptized Iews. He was sent to Baptize with Water, Ioh. 1.33. So as from his time the Institution of the Sacrament of Baptism must be dated, and he did Baptize many.

Marginal references: Mar. 1.5.