What did John mean?

[Swamp_Yankee]

In the goepel’s of Mathew and Luke (if I’m not mistaken), John the Baptist declares that the one who will come after him will baptise with " fire and the holy Spirit". What does the fire represent? Is it the tounges of fire seen at Pentacaust? ( Pardon my spelling)

 

[pyropam]

Fire means “purification” just as silver must be purified in fire, so must the human soul be purified by the BLOOD of JESUS.

 

[Daniel_Marsh]

fire can also refer to suffering.

Ambrose,

1. What, then, is that fire? Not certainly one made up of common twigs, or roaring with the burning of the reeds of the woods, but that fire which improves good deeds like gold, and consumes sins like stubble. This is undoubtedly the Holy Spirit, Who is called both the fire and light of the countenance of God; light as we said above: “The light of Your countenance has been sealed upon us, O Lord.” What is, then, the light that is sealed, but that of the seal of the Spirit, believing in Whom, “ye were sealed,” he says, “with the Holy Spirit of promise.” Ephesians 1:13

1. And as there is a light of the divine countenance, so, too, does fire shine forth from the countenance of God, for it is written: “A fire shall burn in His sight.” For the grace of the day of judgment shines beforehand, that forgiveness may follow to reward the service of the saints. O the great fulness of the Scriptures, which no one can comprehend with human genius! O greatest proof of the Divine Unity! For how many things are pointed out in these two verses!

newadvent.org/fathers/34021.htm

Fire can also refer to Judgement, or the second death in the lake of fire,

newadvent.org/utility/search.htm?safe=active&cx=000299817191393086628%3Aifmbhlr-8x0&q=He+will+baptize+you+with+the+Holy+Spirit+and+with+fire&sa=Search&cof=FORID%3A9#916

 

[banjo]

The Navarre Bible commentary on Mt 3:11 reads: “The word ‘fire’ points in a metaphorical way to the effectiveness of the Holy Spirit’s action in totally wiping out sins. It also shows the life-giving power of grace in the person baptized.”

The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible adds: “with fire: a symbol of God and his purifying judgment (Dt 4:24; Sir 2:5; Is 4:3-5; Acts 2:3-4).”

CCC-696
Fire. While water signifies birth and the fruitfulness of life given in the Holy Spirit, fire symbolizes the transforming energy of the Holy Spirit’s actions. The prayer of the prophet Elijah, who “arose like fire” and whose “word burned like a torch,” brought down fire from heaven on the sacrifice on Mount Carmel.37 This event was a “figure” of the fire of the Holy Spirit, who transforms what he touches. John the Baptist, who goes “before [the Lord] in the spirit and power of Elijah,” proclaims Christ as the one who "will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire."38 Jesus will say of the Spirit: "I came to cast fire upon the earth; and would that it were already kindled!"39 In the form of tongues “as of fire,” the Holy Spirit rests on the disciples on the morning of Pentecost and fills them with himself40 The spiritual tradition has retained this symbolism of fire as one of the most expressive images of the Holy Spirit’s actions.41 "Do not quench the Spirit."42

 

[ROBAUTEN]

Fire Would Symbolize A Purifying Fire - As The Tongues On The Day Of Pentecost; And A Fire Of Judgement - As In The Earth Being Destroyed By Fire At The End Of The Age And The Devil Being Thrown Into The Lake Of Fire. God Himself Is A Consuming Fire Who Purifies Those Who Love Him And Causes Those Who Hate Him To Burn In Flames Because They Can Not Abide His Holiness.