Matthew 3:11

Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalJohn baptized with water unto repentance; the One after him would baptize with the Holy Ghost. John's baptism looked forward and was not the baptism of the new birth. When Paul found disciples at Ephesus baptized 'unto John's baptism,' he had them baptized again 'in the name of the Lord Jesus,' and then 'the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues' (Acts 19:3-6). The fire came at Pentecost, when 'cloven tongues like as of fire... sat upon each of them' (Acts 2:3). Only God can pour out His Spirit (Joel 2:28), and John says Jesus is the One who does it.

JewishJohn's water rite resembles Jewish immersion for purification. The promise of a coming outpouring of the Spirit draws on Joel 2:28 and Ezekiel 36:26-27.

CatholicFulfilled at Pentecost and given in the sacrament of Confirmation, the outpouring of the Spirit that completes baptism.

ProtestantMost non-Pentecostal Protestants hold the Spirit is received at conversion; Pentecostals see a distinct baptism with tongues. The 'fire' is read as purifying or as judgment (3:12).

OrthodoxFulfilled at Pentecost and received in Chrismation immediately after baptism.

DispensationalSpirit-baptism began at Pentecost and forms the church as one body (1 Cor. 12:13). The fire is often read as the judgment of 3:12.

AcademicAll four Gospels record the saying (Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33). 'And with fire' is in Matthew and Luke only, likely from their shared source.

Why it was written“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31). Peter told the first crowd how to begin: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38).
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