John Calvin Commentary Matthew 3:10

"And even now the axe lieth at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire." — Matthew 3:10 (ASV)

Matthew 3:10; Luke 3:9. And now also the axe. After stripping hypocrites of the covering of vain confidence, John announces the approaching judgment of God. He had previously said that, though they were rejected, God would not lack a people; and he now adds that God is just about to drive out unworthy persons from the Church, as barren trees are usually cut down. His statement amounts to this: God has already displayed His power for purifying the Church.

The grace of God is never manifested for the salvation of the godly until His judgment first appears for the destruction of the world, and this for two reasons: because God then separates His own people from the reprobate, and because His wrath is kindled anew by the ingratitude of the world. Therefore, we have no reason to wonder if the preaching of the gospel and the coming of Christ laid the axe for cutting down barren trees, or if the same causes²⁷¹ daily advance the wrath of God against the wicked.

²⁷¹ “Ces deux choses mesme;” — “these very two things.”;” — “these very two things.”