Fragments on Luke · §4 · John of Damascus

The final baptism destroys evil but punishes endlessly

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John of Damascus is explaining why Christ's baptism with fire can refer to the final punishing fire, and here he describes what that last baptism does.

That final baptism is not saving but destructive of evil, for evil and sin no longer hold sway—yet it punishes endlessly.

Greek

Βάπτισμα γὰρ κἀκεῖνο τελευταῖον, οὐ σωτήριον, ἀλλὰ

τῆς μὲν κακίας ἀναιρετικόν· οὐκέτι γὰρ κακία καὶ ἁμαρτία πολιτεύεται· κολάζον δὲ ἀτελεύτητα.

About this text

A brief note by John of Damascus on why Christ is said to baptize with fire: the tongues of fire on the apostles, or the punishing fire to come.

This brief exegetical note is attributed to John of Damascus.

The note argues that the Spirit descends upon the apostles, that the Spirit is God, and that God is a consuming fire. Christ is said to baptize with fire because he poured out the grace of Christ on the holy disciples in the form of fiery tongues, or because of the punishing fire to come.

The final baptism is not saving but destructive of evil, and it punishes endlessly.

Printed text used

Translated from PG 94-96; Fragmenta in Lucam (Greek)

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