ACC ~ Mark 1 v10b

THE DESCENT OF THE SPIRIT

AMBROSE: John, who baptized, stood by, and behold, the Holy Spirit descended as a dove. Not a dove descended, but “as a dove.”… Descended for what reason? Not that the Lord Jesus himself might seem to be in need of the mystery of sanctification, but that he himself might sanctify, that the Spirit also might sanctify. THE SACRAMENTS 1.6. [1]

[1] Cetedoc 0154(M), 1.5.17.22.33; FC 44:274-75*. Christ was baptized not because he was needy but that he might be set apart for the messianic ministry.

JOHN’S BAPTISM AND CHRIST’S

AUGUSTINE: Those who receive the baptism of Christ need not seek the baptism of John. Those who received the baptism of John did indeed seek the baptism of Christ. … No baptism was necessary for Christ, but he freely received the baptism of a servant (John) to draw us toward his baptism. TRACTATE ON JOHN 5.5.3, 4. [1]

[1] Cetedoc 0278, 5.5.25; FC 78:112**.

Mk