ectypal.net

Focusing further within the messianic side of John’s prophecy on this prepositional phrase sheds additional light on the fulfillment that takes place at Pentecost. First, this phrase is not to be understood instrumentally; it should not be translated “by the Holy Spirit and fire.” Rather, it describes the substance or material of the baptism, the element used in baptizing. As far as the Holy Spirit is in view, he is the element of Christ’s baptizing activity. The Greek preposition (ἐν) should be rendered “with” or “in.”