King James Bible
"These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing."
The author provides a specific geographical marker for the preceding events (John's testimony about Jesus). Bethabara, meaning 'house of crossing,' was located on the eastern side of the Jordan River, outside of Judea proper, which may explain why John could minister there without immediate interference from Jerusalem authorities. This phrase emphasizes John's ongoing ministry of baptism at this location. The continuous action suggests Bethabara had become an established center for John's preparatory work, drawing crowds who sought ritual cleansing in anticipation of the Messiah.