ACC ~ Matthew 3 v11a

HE WHO COMES AFTER ME

HILARY: The work of the law is now ineffectual for salvation. John appeared as a messenger of repentance to those about to be baptized. It was the task of the prophets to call people away from their sins, but it was proper to Christ to save those who believe. Thus John said that he was baptizing them for repentance. He also said that a mightier one would come whose sandals he was not worthy to untie. And he left to the apostles the glory of spreading God’s word. It would be their duty to go about with their trusty feet and proclaim God’s peace. [1] He therefore points ahead to the time of our salvation and judgment in the Lord, saying, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” [2] ON MATTHEW 2.4. [3]

[1] Cf. Rom 10:15.

[2] Mt 3:11.

[3] SC 254:106-8.

GRACE AND JUDGMENT BLENDED

CHRYSOSTOM: See how great is the wisdom of the Baptist in his preaching? Note how he states his case without compromise, unafraid of alarming his hearers and filling them with anxiety. Yet his very next words are mild, speaking of that which is apt to make them recover. He does not dwell on the axe alone or the tree that is cut down, burned and thrown into the fire, or the wrath to come, but also speaks of the remission of sins, the removal of punishment, righteousness, sanctification, redemption, adoption and community, a partaking of the inheritance and an abundant supply of the Holy Spirit. For to all these remedies John implicitly pointed when he said, “He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” [1] At once, by this very figure of speech, John witnessed to the abundance of grace. He did not say “He will give you the Holy Spirit” but “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Then to specify the volatile and uncontrollable quality of divine grace he adds, “and with fire.” THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 11.4. [2]

[1] Mt 3:11.

[2] PG 57:197; NPNF 1 10:71**. To ask whether judgment or grace was the heart of John’s preaching is to miss the point: he preached both entwined.