Matthew 3:10-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 3:11

(Cf, especially John 1:27 ; Acts 13:25 ; also Acts 19:4 .) After our Matthew 3:10 St. Luke inserts details of the various kinds of fruit that repentance ought to produce, suggested by the questions of different portions of the Baptist's audience; and then, with an explanatory note that John's words were due to a misconception having arisen that he was himself the Messiah, he adds what we have in verses 11, 12. But even if verses 10-12 were, in fact, not said consecutively, yet their... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 3:11

The two baptisms. John here contrasts himself and his work with Christ and the work of Christ. We cannot but be struck with the humility and the discernment of the Baptist. Thus he reveals himself as true to his mission; he is but the forerunner, preparing the way of the Lord. I. THE CONTRAST BETWEEN THE ADMINISTRATORS . John was regarded as the great prophet of his day; yet he considered himself to be infinitely inferior to the coming Christ. Wherein were the great differences... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 3:11

The twofold baptism. The author of 'Ecce Homo'suggests the distinction between the baptism of John and the baptism of Jesus, which John himself puts in such strong contrast. "Christ was to baptize with a Holy Spirit' and with fire. John felt his own baptism to have something cold and negative about it. It was a renouncing of definite bad practices. The soldier bound himself to refrain from violence; the tax-gatherer, from extortion. But more than this was wanting. It was necessary that an... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 3:10

The axe is laid at the root of the tree - Laying the axe at the root of a tree is intended to denote that the tree is to be cut down. It was not merely to be trimmed, or to be cut about the limbs, but the very tree itself was to be struck. That is, a searching, trying kind of preaching has been commenced. A kingdom of justice is to be set up. Principles and conduct are to be investigated. No art, no dissimulation, will be successful: People are to be tried by their lives, not by birth or... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 3:11

Whose shoes I am not worthy to bear - The word translated here as “shoes” has a signification different from what it has in our language. At first, in order to keep the feet from the sharp stones or the burning sand, small pieces of wood were fastened to the soles of the feet, called “sandals.” Leather, or skins of beasts dressed, afterward were used. The foot was not covered at all, but the sandal, or piece of leather or wood, was bound by thongs. The people put off these when they enter a... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 3:10

Matthew 3:10. And now, also, the axe, &c. To enforce his exhortation, he informs them that they had no time to delay their repentance, because the patience of God was very near exhausted, and come to an end with respect to them. His judgments were at hand and ready to be inflicted, so that, if they continued unfruitful, notwithstanding the extraordinary means that were now to be tried with them, destruction would speedily overtake them; as if he had said, God now once more offers you... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 3:11

Matthew 3:11. I indeed baptize you with water I call you to repentance: and admit the penitent to the baptism of water, as a sign and token of their being washed from their past sins, and of their engaging to walk henceforward in newness of life. He answers the question put to him, John 1:19; John 1:25, by the priests and Levites sent from Jerusalem. But he that cometh after me That succeeds me in preaching and baptizing, is mightier than I Is endued with unspeakably greater authority... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 3:1-12

15. Preaching of John the Baptist (Matthew 3:1-12; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-17; John 1:19-28)The preaching of John soon attracted opposition from the Jewish religious leaders. They sent representatives to question him and then report back on what he taught and who he claimed to be. John denied that he was promoting himself as some new leader in Israel. He did not consider himself to be either the prophet of Deuteronomy 18:15,Deuteronomy 18:18 or the ‘Elijah’ promised in Malachi 4:5. He was only a... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 3:10

now = already. also. Omitted by all the texts ( App-94 .) is laid = is lying at. The Jerusalem Talmud ( Beracoth, fo Matthew 1:5 , Matthew 1:1 ) refers Isaiah 10:33 , Isaiah 10:34 to the destruction of Jerusalem; and argues from Isaiah 11:1 that Messiah would be born shortly before it unto = at. Greek. pros. App-104 . is hewn down = getteth hewn down. read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 3:11

with. Greek. en. The literal rendering of the Hebrew ( Beth = B). Matthew 7:6 ; Matthew 9:34 . Rom 15:6 . 1 Corinthians 4:21 , &c. shoes = sandals. worthy = fit or equal. Not the same word as "meet for" in Matthew 3:8 . bear = bring or fetch. Mark: "stoop down and unloose". Luke: "unloose". Probably repeated often in different forms. He shall baptize. "He" is emph. = He Himself will, and no other. See App-115 . See Acts 1:4 , Acts 1:5 ; Acts 2:3 ; Acts 11:15 .Isaiah 44:3 . Compare... read more

Group of Brands