Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Mark 1:4

Eastern Fathers

Theophylact of Ohrid

John's baptism did not have the remission of sins, but introduced only repentance for the people. But how then does Mark say here: "for the forgiveness of sins"? To this we answer that John preached the baptism of repentance. And to what did this preaching lead? To the remission of sins, that is, to the baptism of Christ, which already contained within itself the remission of sins as well. …

Commentary on Mark ↗

Cyprian

The Lord was baptized by his servant. The holy One who was destined to grant remission of sins did not himself disdain to submit his body to be cleansed with the water of regeneration.

Treatise IX. On the Advantage of Patience 6 ↗

Western Saints

Gregory the Dialogist

And he came into all the region of Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. It is clear to all readers that John not only preached the baptism of repentance, but also gave it to some, yet nevertheless he was not able to give his baptism for the remission of sins. For the remission of sins is granted to us only in the baptism of Christ. …

Forty Gospel Homilies, Homily 20 ↗

Bede

It is evident that John not only preached, but also gave to some the baptism of repentance; but he could not give baptism for the remission of sinsc. For remission of sins is only given to us by the baptism of Christ. It is therefore only said, Preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; for he preached a baptism which could remit sins, since he could not give it. …

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗