Matthew 3:10-11

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Matthew 3:10

And even now the axe lieth at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.Axe ... root of the trees This is a bold metaphor, here directed against the Jewish nation, but applicable with equal force against all sinful and rebellious people who reject God's will. The "axe" is the army of destruction God would send against Jerusalem. "The root of the trees" refers to those great national institutions, the root and springs of... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Matthew 3:11

I indeed baptize you in water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire.Seven baptisms are mentioned in the New Testament, three of which are mentioned in this verse. They are:1. The baptism unto Moses (1 Corinthians 10:2). 2. The baptism of sufferings (Mark 10:38,39). 3. The baptism for the dead (1 Corinthians 15:29). 4. The baptism of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11, see above). 5.... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 3:10

Matthew 3:10. And now also the axe, &c.— The axe is already laid to the root of the trees: every tree then, &c. "There is now no more time for delay: God is going to offer the last dispensation of repentance and mercy; which if you accept not, his vengeance hangs over you; destruction will speedily overtake you." See Isaiah 10:33-34. It may be proper to observe, once for all, that in Scripture language, what is very sure and very near is spoken of as if it were already done;... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 3:11

Matthew 3:11. I indeed baptize you— This is the answer which John made to the question put to him, Joh 1:19-27 in which he shews what difference there was between him and the Messiah. "I indeed, says he, baptize you with water, to bring you to repentance; for they who were baptized, not only declared that they had repented of their sins, but they bound themselves never to commit the like again, and to lead a life of holiness and virtue;" which is the meaning of the Baptist in this place. He... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Matthew 3:10

10. And now also—And even already. the axe is laid unto—"lieth at." the root of the trees—as it were ready to strike: an expressive figure of impending judgment, only to be averted in the way next described. therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire—Language so personal and individual as this can scarcely be understood of any national judgment like the approaching destruction of Jerusalem, with the breaking up of the Jewish polity and the... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Matthew 3:11

11. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance—(See on :-); but he that cometh after me is mightier than I—In Mark and Luke this is more emphatic—"But there cometh the Mightier than I" (Mark 1:7; Luke 3:16). whose shoes—sandals. I am not worthy to bear—The sandals were tied and untied, and borne about by the meanest servants. he shall baptize you—the emphatic "He": "He it is," to the exclusion of all others, "that shall baptize you." with the Holy Ghost—"So far from entertaining such a... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 3:1-11

D. The King’s preparation 3:1-4:11Matthew passed over Jesus’ childhood quickly to relate His preparation for presentation to Israel as her King."The material of this section of the Gospel is particularly important since the baptism of Jesus serves as the occasion of his special anointing by the Holy Spirit for the ministry that follows, but it is also Christologically significant in that his divine Sonship is confirmed and the non-triumphalist nature of the present phase of that Sonship is... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 3:1-12

1. Jesus’ forerunner 3:1-12 (cf. Mark 1:2-8; Luke 3:3-18)It was common when Jesus lived for forerunners to precede important individuals to prepare the way for their arrival. For example, when a king would visit a town in his realm his emissaries would go before him to announce his visit. They would make sure the town was in good condition to receive him. Sometimes his servants even had to do minor roadwork to smooth the highway the king would take as he approached his destination. [Note:... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 3:7-10

This verse contains Matthew’s first reference to the Pharisees ("separate ones") and the Sadducees ("righteous ones"). Significantly, John was antagonistic toward them because they were hypocritical, a trait that marks them throughout the Gospels. Matthew lumped them together here because they were Israel’s leaders."After the ministry of the postexilic prophets ceased, godly men called Chasidim (saints) arose who sought to keep alive reverence for the law among the descendants of the Jews who... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 3:11

John baptized in water "in connection with" repentance. [Note: Carson, "Matthew," p. 104.] However the One coming after him, the King, would baptize with the Holy Spirit (cf. Joel 2:28-29) and fire (cf. Malachi 3:2-5). The Malachi prophecy speaks of fire as a refining or purifying agent, not as an instrument of destruction. Both prophecies involve the nation of Israel as a whole primarily.Are these two different baptisms or one? This is a very difficult question to answer because the arguments... read more

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