ἅπασι : might suggest frequent replies to various parties, uniform in tenor; but against this is the aorist ἀπεκρίνατο, which suggests a single answer given once for all, to a full assembly, a formal solemn public declaration. On the Baptist's statement in this and the following verse, vide on Mt. ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ καὶ πυρί : against the idea of many commentators that the Holy Spirit and fire represent opposite effects on opposite classes saving and punitive Godet and Hahn press the omission of ἐν before πυρί, and take Πνεῦμα and πῦρ to be kindred = fire the emblem of the Spirit as a purifier. They are right as to the affinity but not as to the function. The function in both cases is judicial. John refers to the Holy Wind and Fire of Judgment It is, however, not impossible that Lk. read an evangelic sense into John's words.

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising

Old Testament