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Mat 3:11. ὑμᾶς, you) John, therefore, did not exclude the Pharisees from baptism.-ἐν ὕδατι, in water) The conclusion of the verse corresponds with this part of it. John, however, depreciates not so much his baptism as himself. And again, in this place alone, is that fire mentioned in contradistinction to water, whereas the Holy Spirit is mentioned in every case.-εἰς μετανόιαν, for repentance) This portion of the verse corresponds with Mat 3:12.-δὲ, but) The contrast does not apply only to those who confer, but to those also who receive baptism (See Act 1:5, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost), and also to the different times.-ὀπίσω μου, after me) It was fitting that John should be born a little before the Messiah.-ἐρχομένος, that cometh) sc. immediately; see Mat 3:13.-ἰσχυρότερός μου, mightier than I) One whom you ought to fear and to worship, rather than me, who am feeble. John teaches, both here and in Mat 3:12, that his power is not great; whereas that of Christ, as God, is infinite.[127] He does not say directly, “Messiah cometh after me,” but expresses it by a paraphrase more obscurely, and yet more augustly. John, moreover, said this at the time when he possessed the greatest power; see Act 13:25.-Βαστάσαι, to bear) As a servant bears the shoes, which his master has either called for, or commanded to be taken away.-Cf. Psa 60:8.-Αὐτος, He) Believe on Him: see Act 19:4.-ὑμᾶς, you) sc. as many as shall receive Him.-βαπτίσει, shall baptize) i.e. abundantly impart; see Tit 3:6; Act 2:3-4; Act 2:17; Act 10:44; and shall thereby show Himself the mightier. The Holy Spirit and fire have the greatest power.-ἐν, κ.τ.λ., in, etc.) This was the difference between John and Christ; see Joh 1:33.-Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ, the Holy Ghost) See Gnomon on Luk 3:16.-καὶ πυρὶ, and with fire) St Luke has these words, though St Mark has not: even, therefore, were the reading doubtful in St Matthew, there would be no danger;[128] it is certain, however, that he also wrote καὶ πυρὶ. The Holy Spirit, with which Christ baptizes, has a fiery power, and that fiery power was manifested to the eyes of men; see Act 2:3.
[127] A power, which there is no one who shall not experience, either exercised for salvation, or else in terrible vengeance.-Vers. Germ.
[128] Orig. 4, 131e, 132c, Iren. 321, Cypr. Hil. Vulg. have καὶ πυρί. It is only some more recent uncial MSS. (ESV in Tischend. Gr. Test.) and Syr. of Jerus., which have omitted the words.-ED.