Commentaries:
People's Commentary (NT)
Matthew 3:11
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. His baptism was
only a water baptism. The King could send the Holy Spirit, and give a
mightier baptism, in addition to the outward baptism.
Mightier than I. In that he can "perform" all that I only
"promise".
Whose shoes I am not worthy to bear. The duty of a slave, or
one greatly inferior in rank. In the Orient sandals are generally
removed on entering a house, and left in charge of a servant, who
brings them again when needed. So humble was John, compared with the
King, that he was hardly worthy to be his servant.
He shall baptize with the Holy Ghost. In order to know what is
meant we must refer to the fulfillment. On the day of Pentecost
occurred such a baptism, the first so recognized in the New Testament.
Then the spirits of the apostles were overwhelmed by the Divine Spirit,
so that they spoke as he gave them utterance. It was Christ who "shed
forth" the baptism of that occasion. This would be plainer had the
Greek "en", here rendered "with", has been rendered "in", after the
word "baptize". Of the 2,600 occurrences of "en" in the Greek New
Testament, it is rendered "in" in the Common Version 2,045 times. The
American Commitee of Revisers in the Revised Version (see margin) so
renders it in connection with the word "baptize", and is doubtless
right. These great scholars, mostly learned Pedo-baptists, would say,
"Baptize 'in' water", "Baptize 'in' the Holy Spirit".
And [with] fire. The term "fire" is used in Matthew 3:10, and
there means a destroying agency; it is used again in Matthew 3:12 in
the same sense; it is used in Matthew 3:11, also, the intervening
verse, and must be used in exactly the same sense as in the other two
verses. It cannot mean a curse in Matthew 3:10,12, and a blessing in
Matthew 3:11, without a word of explanation. It is strange, therefore,
that all commentators should not agree that the baptism of fire is a
baptism of trial and suffering. There were two classes before John.
Some would repent and be baptized finally in the Holy Spirit; there
were others who would remain impenitent, and be baptized in the awful
trials that would come upon Israel. Matthew 3:12 explains this. John
says in it that there is the wheat and the chaff; one shall be
gathered into the garner and the other burned.
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
Matthew 3:11
Matthew 11:3
Luke 3:3
Acts 13:24-25
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