Mateus 3
Theodore Stratelates · Comentário Patrístico (catena)
Mateus 3:5
When the crowds heard of his manner of life, far surpassing normal human life, they longed to see him. For this reason, when they heard that John was nearby, they all simultaneously ran to him, as to "a man sent from God." They confessed their sins in his presence so that, like a priest, he might offer up sacrifices on their behalf. — FRAGMENT 13.28
Mateus 3:9
If from "stones children are given to Abraham," this is not by their possessing his flesh and spirit but by their sharing his virtue. Therefore the people of God are able to call Abraham "father." How so? Consider the following: Stones are employed by the Gentiles not only for building but also for idolatry. Besides this, remember this: the heart of the dragon is said to be as hard as a stone. — FRAGMENTS 15-16
Mateus 3:11
The words "behind me" are used in the sense of "after me." "He who is coming" is said rather than "he who shall be revealed." The souls of the saints, in order to receive the mystery of revelation, are said to be baptized purely "in fire." This is because the Spirit first came down upon the disciples in tongues of fire, by which they were baptized and their souls made perfect. Or because, in the age to come, all will be baptized with fire, for "everyone will be salted with fire," so that "the fire may test everyone's work, of what sort it is." Fire is appointed for the material element, which in itself is neither wicked nor evil but powerful and able to purify from evil. For the power of fire is deemed to be beneficial and strong, destructive of evil things and preservative of what is better. This is why fire is associated with wisdom by the prophets. For this reason also, when God is called "a consuming fire," this is to be understood as a term and symbol not for evil but for power. As fire is the strongest of the elements and conquers everything else, in the same way God is all-powerful and almighty, able to conquer, to create, to make, to nourish, to multiply, to save, possessing authority over both body and soul. Just as fire outperforms all the elements, so too all gods, powers and rulers are no match for the Almighty.Fire has a twofold potency. On the one hand, it is suitable for the formation and ripening of fruits and for the birth and sustenance of animals. The sun is the primary image of this power. On the other hand, fire is fit for destroying and consuming, as is the case with earthly fire. When God therefore is called a "consuming fire," able to destroy, he is being called a mighty and irresistible power. To God nothing is impossible. Concerning such a power the Savior also says, "I came to cast fire upon the earth." This is a power that purifies the saints, causes material things to disappear and, we might say, educates. Fire induces fear. Its light spreads outward. — FRAGMENT 18.51
Mateus 3:15
When he who is perfect according to the law was baptized with the baptism of John, he became the first to achieve the perfection of the law. For this reason even Christ, who was perfect in the law, was baptized with the baptism of John. For this reason he says, "For thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." — FRAGMENT 21