John answered them all, “I indeed baptize you with water, but he comes who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to loosen. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 16. See Matthew 3:11. That baptism cannot be valid, in which the name of the Holy Ghost only is invoked. For, the tradition concerning life-giving grace, must be preserved entire. To add or to omit any thing, may exclude from life everlasting. For, as we believe, so also are we baptized, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. S. Basil, l. de Spirit. Sanc. c. xxii.—Fire. This is a metaphor, to signify the Holy Ghost and his gifts, particularly the fire of divine love to the expiation of sins, and is very common in Scripture. Sometimes also he is represented by water, as in Saint John 4:10, et dein. and 7:38–9. Isaiah 44 and so forth and so forth Hence, in the hymn to the Holy Ghost, the Church uses both figures.
Thou who art call’d the Paraclete,
Best gift of God above,
The living Spring, the living Fire,
Sweet unction and love.