Fathers

Loading…

What the Fathers say

Matthew 3:14

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

For this cause, let me add, John also by way of anticipation said all that he had said before, that he "was not worthy to unloose the latchet of His shoe;" and all the rest, as for instance, that He is Judge, and rewards every man according to his desert, and that He will bestow His Spirit abundantly on all; in order that when thou shouldest see Him coming to the baptism, thou mightest not suspect anything mean. …

Homily on the Gospel of Matthew 12 ↗

Western Saints

Hilary of Poitiers

John rejects Him from baptism as God; He teaches him, that it ought to be performed on Him as man.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Then he mentions the reverence. And note three things: first, John refuses the honor offered him; secondly, he confesses his lowliness, thirdly, his weakness. For he knew that he would baptize inwardly; therefore he says, "to be baptized," i.e., cleansed, from original sin. So says a Gloss. But on the other hand, he had been sanctified in the womb. …

Commentary on Matthew ↗