Matthew 3:12
Verse
Context
The Mission of John the Baptist
11I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.12His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Whose fan--winnowing fan. is in his hand--ready for use. This is no other than the preaching of the Gospel, even now beginning, the effect of which would be to separate the solid from the spiritually worthless, as wheat, by the winnowing fan, from the chaff. (Compare the similar representation in Mal 3:1-3). and he will throughly purge his floor--threshing-floor; that is, the visible Church. and gather his wheat--His true-hearted saints; so called for their solid worth (compare Amo 9:9; Luk 22:31). into the garner--"the kingdom of their Father," as this "garner" or "barn" is beautifully explained by our Lord in the parable of the wheat and the tares (Mat 13:30, Mat 13:43). but he will burn up the chaff--empty, worthless professors of religion, void of all solid religious principle and character (see Psa 1:4). with unquenchable fire--Singular is the strength of this apparent contradiction of figures:--to be burnt up, but with a fire that is unquenchable; the one expressing the utter destruction of all that constitutes one's true life, the other the continued consciousness of existence in that awful condition. Luke adds the following important particulars (Luk 3:18-20) : Luk 3:18 : And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people--showing that we have here but an abstract of his teaching. Besides what we read in Joh 1:29, Joh 1:33-34; Joh 3:27-36, the incidental allusion to his having taught his disciples to pray (Luk 11:1) --of which not a word is said elsewhere--shows how varied his teaching was. Luk 3:19 : But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done--In this last clause we have an important fact, here only mentioned, showing how thoroughgoing was the fidelity of the Baptist to his royal hearer, and how strong must have been the workings of conscience in that slave of passion when, notwithstanding such plainness, he "did many things, and heard John gladly" (Mar 6:20). Luk 3:20 : Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison--This imprisonment of John, however, did not take place for some time after this; and it is here recorded merely because the Evangelist did not intend to recur to his history till he had occasion to relate the message which he sent to Christ from his prison at MachÃ&brvbrrus (Luk 7:18, &c.).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Whose fan is in his hand,.... The Jews had their hand fans, and which were like a man's hand; their names were ; which, as Maimonides says (n), were three sorts of instruments used in the floor, in form of a man's hand; with which they cleansed the wheat and barley from the straw; and their names differ according to their form: some have many teeth, and with them they cleanse the wheat at the end of the work; and there are others that have few teeth, no more than three, and with these they purge the wheat at first, from the thick straw. By the "fan", here is meant, either the Gospel which Christ was just ready to publish; by which he would effectually call his chosen people among the Jews, and so distinguish and separate them from others, as well as purify and cleanse them, or rather the awful judgment of God, which Christ was ready to execute, and in a short time would execute on the unbelieving and impenitent Jews: hence it is said to be "in his hand"; being put there by his Father, who "hath committed all judgment to the Son". That this is the meaning of the "Baptist", seems evident, since "fanning" is always, when figuratively taken, used for judgments, Isa 41:16. By "his floor", is meant the land of Israel, where he was born, brought up, and lived; of which the Lord says, "O my threshing, and the corn of my floor!" Isa 21:10. This, he says, "he will thoroughly purge" of all his refuse and chaff, that is, by fanning: so fanning and cleansing, or purging, are joined together, Jer 4:11 so is used for purging by fanning, in the Misnic writings (o). By "his wheat", are meant his elect among the Jews, the chosen of God and precious; so called because of their excellency, purity, usefulness, solidity, and constancy: these he "will gather into his garner"; meaning either some place of protection, where he would direct his people to for safety from that wrath, ruin, and destruction; which should fall upon the Jewish nation; or else the kingdom of heaven, into which he would bring them, by taking them out of the world from the evil to come. By "the chaff", are meant wicked and ungodly persons, such as are destitute of the grace of God, whether professors, or profane; being empty, barren, and unfruitful; and so good for nothing but the fire, which therefore "he will burn with unquenchable fire", of divine wrath and vengeance: an allusion to a custom among the Jews, who, when they purified the increase of their unclean fields, gathered it together in an "area" or floor, in the midst of them, and then sifted it with sieves; one sort with two sieves, another with three, that they might thoroughly purge it, and burnt the chaff and stalks (p); see Isa 5:24. (n) In Misn. Celim. c. 13. sect. 7. Vid. Jarchi & Bartenora in ib. & in Misn. Tibbul. Yom. c. 4. sect. 6. (o) Misn. Sabbat. c. 7. sect. 2. & Gittin, c. 5. sect. 9. (p) Misn. Oholot. c. 18. sect. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:12 Farmers would use a winnowing fork to toss harvested grain into the air, allowing the useless husks (chaff) to blow away. The Messiah’s ministry divides all humanity into two groups: (1) the wheat, that is, those who respond, forming the new people of God; and (2) the chaff, the unrepentant (see 3:8).
Matthew 3:12
The Mission of John the Baptist
11I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.12His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Husbanding
By Abner Kauffman2.8K1:13:51HusbandGEN 2:18ECC 1:10ISA 28:23MAT 3:12MAT 6:33JHN 16:13ACT 17:19In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the importance of taking care of our homes and families. He uses the analogy of threshing instruments to emphasize that each family is unique and requires different approaches to thrive. The speaker shares personal experiences and encourages the audience to not give up when facing challenges in their homes. He emphasizes the need to be a witness in our homes and to view our homes as a precious gift from God.
The Threshing Floor of Ornan
By T. Austin-Sparks1.9K29:44Ornan1SA 24:152SA 6:61CH 21:11CH 21:15JER 23:28MAT 3:12MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine and real relationship with God. He highlights the need for believers to have a solid foundation in their faith and not just rely on superficial teachings or forms of religion. The speaker warns against becoming too familiar with holy things and treating them as common or cheap. He also discusses the significance of threshing floors in biblical turning points and how they symbolize the refining process that God uses to purify his people.
(Daniel) Daniel's Great Vision
By Willie Mullan1.7K1:08:41VisionPSA 84:1PSA 84:10DAN 7:8MAT 3:12MAT 6:332TH 2:1REV 13:1In this sermon, the speaker, Daniel, expresses his grief and troubled spirit. He seeks the interpretation of his dream from a created being. The interpretation reveals that the four great beasts represent four kings who will arise from the earth. The speaker also mentions the division of Alexander the Great's world empire into four, and the possibility of future conflicts among economic powers.
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
Will God Change Me
By Carter Conlon1.1K30:36TransformPSA 119:105ISA 61:1MAT 3:12MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ACT 2:22CO 5:17In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the concept of transformation and newness of life through Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the role of John the Baptist in introducing Jesus to the people and highlighting the inadequacy of human efforts to change themselves through religion. The speaker encourages the audience to embrace the message of Jesus and experience the freedom to break out of societal constraints and become evangelists for the truth. He emphasizes the need for a personal decision to believe in Jesus as the Son of God, who died on the cross for our sins, offering eternal and abundant life.
We Must Return to the Apostolic Message
By Miki Hardy8701:44:18ApostolicJER 15:19MAT 3:12MAT 6:33ROM 1:161CO 1:18In this sermon on 2 Corinthians chapter 6, the speaker shares his personal journey of understanding the Gospel and the call of God in his life. He emphasizes that true ministry is not about intelligence or material possessions, but about transmitting the life of Christ. The speaker highlights the importance of being willing to die to oneself in order to truly serve God and transmit His life to others. He also challenges the current state of the church, urging believers to embrace the message of the cross and strive to become more like Jesus.
(Church Life) an Overview of the Kingdom
By Mose Stoltzfus7601:09:03MAT 3:12MAT 6:33MAT 13:47MAT 16:17ACT 5:29EPH 5:30In this sermon, the speaker discusses the prophecy of the image in the book of Daniel. The image represents four major world kingdoms, with the fifth being the kingdom of God. These kingdoms had world dominion and power, but eventually crumbled and were replaced. Throughout history, God brought revival and cleansing, with Christ being lifted up and honored. The speaker emphasizes the importance of the church in the life of believers and the value it holds in God's plan.
The Burning Hell That Jesus Preached
By Ian Paisley74932:31HellPSA 49:7PSA 69:21ISA 53:5MAT 3:12In this sermon, the preacher addresses the topic of hell and responds to a television program that ridiculed the teaching of the Word of God. He emphasizes the eternal nature of hell, stating that there is no escape or hope for those who are condemned. The preacher urges the listeners to repent and seek God's mercy, warning them of the consequences of rejecting Christ. He also references the Bible to support the idea that hell is a place of literal fire and describes the physical senses that people in hell would experience.
Compared View of the First Three Gospels, Etc.
By John Nelson Darby0The GospelsChrist's MinistryMAT 1:1MAT 4:17MAT 5:1MAT 9:35MAT 11:28MAT 28:19MRK 1:14LUK 3:23LUK 4:18John Nelson Darby discusses the distinct characteristics and purposes of the first three Gospels, emphasizing that Mark presents a chronological account of Christ's service, while Matthew focuses on the presentation of Jesus as the Messiah and the implications of His rejection. He notes that Luke, while generally following Mark's order, includes moral teachings that are unique to his Gospel. Darby highlights the importance of understanding the genealogies and the context of Christ's ministry, particularly in relation to Israel's expectations and the establishment of the church. He concludes that the Gospels collectively reveal the nature of Christ's mission and the unfolding of God's plan for humanity.
The Great Separation
By J.C. Ryle0Separation of Believers and UnbelieversThe Urgency of FaithPSA 149:4ISA 42:3NAM 1:7MAT 3:12MAT 25:46JHN 5:23JHN 10:28EPH 5:271TH 4:17REV 22:20J.C. Ryle's sermon 'The Great Separation' emphasizes the ultimate division of humanity into two classes: the 'wheat' representing true believers in Christ and the 'chaff' symbolizing those without faith. He warns that a day of reckoning is coming when Christ will separate the righteous from the unrighteous, and only those who have genuinely accepted Him will be gathered into His barn, while the rest will face eternal punishment. Ryle urges listeners to examine their own hearts and recognize the reality of their spiritual state, as neutrality is impossible. He reassures believers of Christ's unwavering care and the promise of eternal life, while also solemnly warning the unrepentant of the dire consequences of their choices. The sermon serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the urgency of faith in Christ.
Exposition on Psalm 74
By St. Augustine0ISA 66:2MAT 3:12MAT 5:3LUK 18:13JHN 1:17JHN 1:47ROM 9:6ROM 10:3ROM 11:1GAL 3:29St. Augustine preaches about the understanding of Asaph in the Psalms, delving into the significance of the congregation being referred to as Synagogue, symbolizing a certain understanding congregation. He explores the distinction between the people of Israel who truly follow God's ways and those who are unfaithful, emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience. St. Augustine reflects on the transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament, highlighting the differences in sacraments, promises, and the need to fully surrender to God's grace and truth through Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 12:25-29
By D.S. Warner0MAT 3:12LUK 3:17JHN 17:6JHN 17:20ACT 2:42ACT 20:281CO 1:21CO 1:101TI 3:15D.S. Warner preaches about the importance of thorough sanctification and the need to remove denominational divisions within the church. He emphasizes that true holiness destroys denominations and that personal consecration and faith are essential to purging the sin of division. Warner urges individuals to reject sectarianism, adhere only to the one church founded by Christ, and seek visible unity as prayed for by Jesus. He warns against the evils of party spirit, rivalry, and contention caused by denominationalism, stressing that the church must return to its original unity to exhibit God's love and truth to the world.
Letter 180.
By James Bourne0ISA 64:6MAT 3:12LUK 13:61PE 1:7REV 3:19James Bourne delivers a heartfelt message to a woman, urging her to reflect on her spiritual journey and the dimming of her faith. He questions her commitment, kindness, and spiritual growth, warning her of the consequences of a shallow profession of faith. Bourne emphasizes the need for true repentance, humility, and a deepening relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ to bear fruit and withstand the refining fire of God's judgment.
The Pre-Eminence of Our Lord Jesus Christ
By Ian Paisley0GEN 32:10MAT 3:12JHN 1:142CO 8:9COL 1:18Ian Paisley preaches on the pre-eminence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, emphasizing His position as the head of the church and the firstborn from the dead. He urges the congregation to focus on exalting Christ rather than themselves or any man, highlighting the humble beginnings of the church and its growth despite opposition. Paisley delves into the mystery of Christ's person, the sacrificial love displayed in His passion, and the miraculous power He holds in covenants, creation, conservation, conversion, consecration, and consummation. He concludes with a solemn reminder of Christ's consuming power and the importance of seeking Him for eternal pardon.
Important Questions
By Richard Owen Roberts0ISA 43:2MAT 3:12ROM 10:9COL 3:2HEB 12:27HEB 13:112PE 3:10REV 8:7REV 17:16The preacher delves into the meaning of 'burned up' (katakaio) in the Bible, emphasizing its significance in consuming or destroying by fire, symbolizing the ultimate purification and judgment by God. This burning up is seen in various contexts such as the destruction of chaff, tares, magic paraphernalia, and works done in self-glory. The sermon highlights the association of fire with holiness and judgment, pointing to the final purging of sin and ushering in a state of perfect holiness in the Day of God.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Whose fan--winnowing fan. is in his hand--ready for use. This is no other than the preaching of the Gospel, even now beginning, the effect of which would be to separate the solid from the spiritually worthless, as wheat, by the winnowing fan, from the chaff. (Compare the similar representation in Mal 3:1-3). and he will throughly purge his floor--threshing-floor; that is, the visible Church. and gather his wheat--His true-hearted saints; so called for their solid worth (compare Amo 9:9; Luk 22:31). into the garner--"the kingdom of their Father," as this "garner" or "barn" is beautifully explained by our Lord in the parable of the wheat and the tares (Mat 13:30, Mat 13:43). but he will burn up the chaff--empty, worthless professors of religion, void of all solid religious principle and character (see Psa 1:4). with unquenchable fire--Singular is the strength of this apparent contradiction of figures:--to be burnt up, but with a fire that is unquenchable; the one expressing the utter destruction of all that constitutes one's true life, the other the continued consciousness of existence in that awful condition. Luke adds the following important particulars (Luk 3:18-20) : Luk 3:18 : And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people--showing that we have here but an abstract of his teaching. Besides what we read in Joh 1:29, Joh 1:33-34; Joh 3:27-36, the incidental allusion to his having taught his disciples to pray (Luk 11:1) --of which not a word is said elsewhere--shows how varied his teaching was. Luk 3:19 : But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done--In this last clause we have an important fact, here only mentioned, showing how thoroughgoing was the fidelity of the Baptist to his royal hearer, and how strong must have been the workings of conscience in that slave of passion when, notwithstanding such plainness, he "did many things, and heard John gladly" (Mar 6:20). Luk 3:20 : Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison--This imprisonment of John, however, did not take place for some time after this; and it is here recorded merely because the Evangelist did not intend to recur to his history till he had occasion to relate the message which he sent to Christ from his prison at MachÃ&brvbrrus (Luk 7:18, &c.).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Whose fan is in his hand,.... The Jews had their hand fans, and which were like a man's hand; their names were ; which, as Maimonides says (n), were three sorts of instruments used in the floor, in form of a man's hand; with which they cleansed the wheat and barley from the straw; and their names differ according to their form: some have many teeth, and with them they cleanse the wheat at the end of the work; and there are others that have few teeth, no more than three, and with these they purge the wheat at first, from the thick straw. By the "fan", here is meant, either the Gospel which Christ was just ready to publish; by which he would effectually call his chosen people among the Jews, and so distinguish and separate them from others, as well as purify and cleanse them, or rather the awful judgment of God, which Christ was ready to execute, and in a short time would execute on the unbelieving and impenitent Jews: hence it is said to be "in his hand"; being put there by his Father, who "hath committed all judgment to the Son". That this is the meaning of the "Baptist", seems evident, since "fanning" is always, when figuratively taken, used for judgments, Isa 41:16. By "his floor", is meant the land of Israel, where he was born, brought up, and lived; of which the Lord says, "O my threshing, and the corn of my floor!" Isa 21:10. This, he says, "he will thoroughly purge" of all his refuse and chaff, that is, by fanning: so fanning and cleansing, or purging, are joined together, Jer 4:11 so is used for purging by fanning, in the Misnic writings (o). By "his wheat", are meant his elect among the Jews, the chosen of God and precious; so called because of their excellency, purity, usefulness, solidity, and constancy: these he "will gather into his garner"; meaning either some place of protection, where he would direct his people to for safety from that wrath, ruin, and destruction; which should fall upon the Jewish nation; or else the kingdom of heaven, into which he would bring them, by taking them out of the world from the evil to come. By "the chaff", are meant wicked and ungodly persons, such as are destitute of the grace of God, whether professors, or profane; being empty, barren, and unfruitful; and so good for nothing but the fire, which therefore "he will burn with unquenchable fire", of divine wrath and vengeance: an allusion to a custom among the Jews, who, when they purified the increase of their unclean fields, gathered it together in an "area" or floor, in the midst of them, and then sifted it with sieves; one sort with two sieves, another with three, that they might thoroughly purge it, and burnt the chaff and stalks (p); see Isa 5:24. (n) In Misn. Celim. c. 13. sect. 7. Vid. Jarchi & Bartenora in ib. & in Misn. Tibbul. Yom. c. 4. sect. 6. (o) Misn. Sabbat. c. 7. sect. 2. & Gittin, c. 5. sect. 9. (p) Misn. Oholot. c. 18. sect. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:12 Farmers would use a winnowing fork to toss harvested grain into the air, allowing the useless husks (chaff) to blow away. The Messiah’s ministry divides all humanity into two groups: (1) the wheat, that is, those who respond, forming the new people of God; and (2) the chaff, the unrepentant (see 3:8).