Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 3:8

"Bring forth therefore fruit worthy of repentance:" — Matthew 3:8 (ASV)

Fruits (or better, fruit) meet for repentance — This phrasing in the English version is ambiguous and not ideal, because it suggests that the “fruit” prepares the way for repentance. The actual meaning, however, is that by coming to baptism you profess repentance; therefore, you must bring forth fruit worthy of that repentance—that is, fruit that comes from a changed heart and will.