Matthew 3:8

Bring forth. See on v. 10. The fruit home reveals the inner character (ch. 7:20; cf. ch. 12:33). The test of conversion is a transformation in the life. The proof of the sincerity of the Pharisees and Sadducees who came to John’s baptism would be the radical change of mind and conduct implicit in the word “repent” (see on ch. 3:2). Mere profession is worthless.

The divine Husbandman waits patiently for the fruit of character to ripen in the lives of those who profess to serve Him (see Luke 13:6-9). But fruit “meet for repentance,” that is, appropriate to or corresponding with a profession of repentance, is the fruit of the Spirit (see Gal. 5:22, 23; 2 Peter 1:5-7), and except for the presence of the Spirit in the life, cannot be brought forth. Apart from “the vine” there can be no fruit bearing (John 15:4, 5).

Repentance. See on v. 2.