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Translation
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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
If any one should enquire, "And in what was the baptism of the disciples better than that of John?" we will reply, "in nothing"; both were alike without the gift of the Spirit, both parties alike had one reason for baptizing, and that was, to lead the baptized to Christ. …
Cyril of Alexandria
The Jews being powerless to commend the purifications of the law, and not able to advocate the cleansing through the ashes of an heifer, plan something against John's disciples, whereby they thought to cause them no slight vexation, albeit easily worsted in their own matters. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
A dispute arose between John's disciples and a certain Jew concerning baptism. The Jew held the baptism of Christ's disciples to be superior, while John's disciples held the baptism of their teacher to be superior.
Western Saints
Augustine of Hippo
"Then there arose a question on the part of John's disciples with the Jews about purifying." John baptized, Christ baptized. John's disciples were moved; there was a running after Christ, people were coming to John. Those who came to John, he sent to Jesus to be baptized; but they who were baptized by Christ were not sent to John. John's disciples were alarmed, and began to dispute with the Jews, as usually happens. Understand the Jews to have declared that Christ was greater, and that to His baptism people ought to have recourse. …
Thomas Aquinas
Then when he says, A controversy arose, he brings in the issue of the two baptisms. First, the issue is mentioned. Secondly, it is brought to John's attention (v 26). Thirdly, the issue is resolved. Because both John and Christ were baptizing, the disciples of John, out of zeal for their teacher, started a controversy over this. …
Bonaventure
Here is introduced the question proceeding from the twofold purification, which had its origin from the disciples of John accusing the Jews that, having abandoned John's baptism, they were going to Christ. On account of which he says: "Therefore a question arose from the disciples of John," as drawing its origin from them, "with the Jews" who were contradicting, namely "concerning purification," namely, where the greater purification was, whether in the baptism of John or of Christ. …
Translation