Hellfire for individuals who reject Jesus: See Today’s Handbook for Solving Bible Difficulties p.150-152 for the view that this means Jesus will baptize believers with the Holy Spirit, and those who reject Jesus with the fire of judgment. John Chrysostom (died 407 A.D.) taught this view in Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew Homily 11 ch.6-7 p.71-72, emphasizing the continuity with John’s other warnings on fire. The Expositor’s Greek New Testament vol.1 p.84 says that John focused on three things: water, wind/spirit, and fire. John baptized with water, the Messiah would baptize believers with the Spirit, and a baptism of fire would destroy in judgment those not involved with the water and Spirit. Irenaeus (182-188 A.D.) uses this verse to speak of God’s judgment of unbelievers in Irenaeus Against Heresies book 4 ch.4.3 p.466. Tertullian (198-220 A.D.) says that baptism with water is unto salvation, and pretended and weak faith is baptized with fire, unto judgment (On Baptism ch.10 p.674).
Moto wa Jehanamu kwa watu wanaomkataa Yesu: John Chrysostom (aliyekufa mwaka 407 BK) alitoa maoni haya kwenye Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew, Homily ya 11 sura ya 6-7, uk.71-72, akisisitiza mwendelezo wa maonyo mengine ya moto ya Yohana Mbatizaji. Yohana alikazia mambo matatu: maji, upepo/roho, na moto. Yohana alibatiza kwa maji, Masihi atabatiza waamini kwa Roho, na ubatizo wa moto utawaangamiza kwenye hukumu wale wote ambao hawakuhushiriki kwa maji na Roho. Irenaeus (mwaka 182-188 BK) anatumia aya hii kuongelea hukumu ya Mungu kwa wasioamini kwenye Irenaeus Against Heresies kitabu cha 4 sura ya 4.3, uk.466. Tertullian (mwaka 198-220 BK) anasema kuwa ubatizo wa maji unaleta wokovu, na imani ya unafiki na dhaifu inabatizwa kwa moto na kuleta hukumu (On Baptism sura ya10, uk.674).