Baptism by fire

The phrase baptism by fire or baptism of fire is a phrase originating from the words of John the Baptist in Matthew 3:11.
The phrase also occurs in Luke 3:16 and it might be taken as a reference to Dante's Inferno or perhaps the fiery trial of faith which endures suffering and purifies the faithful (Mark 10:38, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:7, 1 Peter 4:12). 
:See also Dante's Purgatory 27:10-15.
==Christianity==
Many Christian writers, such as John Kitto, have noted that it could be taken as a hendiadys, the Spirit as fire, or as pointing out two distinct baptisms - one by the Spirit, one by fire. If two baptisms, then various meanings have been suggested for the second baptism, by fire - including trial and testing of disciples, or the destruction by Christ of his enemies.Cyclopaedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature - Volume 1 - Page 640
John Kitto 1865 John McClintock, James Strong - 1871 "Whether this be taken as a hendiadys = the Spirit as fire, or as pointing out two distinct baptisms, the one by the Spirit, the other by fire ; and whether, on the latter assumption, the baptism by fire means the destruction by Christ of his enemies"
Of this expression, J. H. Thayer commented: "to overwhelm with fire (those who do not repent), i.e., to subject them to the terrible penalties of hell". W. E. Vine noted regarding the "fire" of this passage: "of the fire of Divine judgment upon the rejectors of Christ, Matt. 3:11 (where a distinction is to be made between the baptism of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and the fire of Divine retribution)". Arndt and Gingrich speak of the "fire of divine Judgment Mt. 3:11; Lk. 3:16". Finally, as J. W. McGarvey observed, the phrase "baptize you ... in fire" cannot refer to Pentecost, because there was no "baptism of fire" on that day. Parted "tongues," which were merely "like as of fire ... sat upon" each of the apostles. Those brothers were not "overwhelmed with fire" on that occasion.. As quoted in: 
===Mormonism===
In Mormonism the term relates to Confirmation (Latter Day Saints) and the phrase "baptism of fire" or "baptism by fire" appears several times in Latter-day Saint canonized scripture, including: ; ; ; and .
==Military usage==
The Catholic Encyclopedia, and writers such as John Deedy, state that the term in a military sense entered the English language in 1822 as a translation of the French phrase baptême du feu.John G. Deedy The Catholic book of days 1990- Page 21 "Another incidental piece of religious history connected with that war: it provided the term "baptism of fire" its particular modern application; namely, a soldier's first experience in battle. baptized martyrs who died at the stake thus experienced a " From military usage the term has extended into many other areas in relation to an initiation into a new role - for example the directorship of an arts festival.Tribune - Volume 71 - Page 31 2007 "ANYONE seeking a practical definition of the term "baptism of fire" should have been in Edinburgh last month, when Hannah McGill made her debut as artistic director of the city's International Film Festival. Edinburgh's film festival has been ..."
==See also==
*Baptism with the Holy Spirit
==References==
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==External links==
* Baptism at etymonline.com (EtymologyOnLine)
* Luke 3:16 (New International Version) at BibleGateway.com
Category:Rites of passage