I'm sure only Jesus knew the significance of baptism at the time--that it would eventually be seen as a picture of his death, burial and resurrection. Jesus' baptism was, in my view, his identification with John the Baptist and his message. Until Paul revealed that it was a picture of the gospel.
As to the question about the timing of the Spirit's descending like a dove--I know everything but I don't know that.[/QUOTE
Was it the same one that said, "Let there be light" and the Spirit moved upon the face of the waters and there was light and the one that said, "For if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you"?
Is this not also the same one? This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted. (And this said of the same one?) And having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit.
Do you think this why the dove descended when it did to keep the sequence proper?
When was this promise made?
Do the following say the same thing?
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
And
By the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit;