In response to previous commentaries that have tried to uncover the original meaning of the baptism in the Holy Spirit and fire, in addition to John's baptism as a prophetic sign, McManigal presents the first full length treatment on Matthew's version of baptism. Focusing on Matt 3:11 "He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire," McManigal argues that the apostle's grammatical cues and literary placement imply that such a phrase was a declaration of eschatological judgment upon national Israel.

As a backdrop for the prevalence of judgment in baptism, McManigal locates Matthew's eschatological judgment within the broader Old Testament and apocalyptic literature of the Second Temple, drawing upon texts such as Isaiah 11 and the Isaiah Targum, Malachi 3, David 7, 1 Enoch and 4 Ezra. Such analysis allows for closer understanding of how the themes of the Old Testament are woven throughout Matthew's narrative, capitalizing on John's role as the last of the prophets sent to Israel; in particular his foretelling the coming of Jesus, Jesus' rejection of kingship, and his call for repentance in order to prepare people for the arrival of the kingdom of God. Drawing out the unique Matthean meaning of the baptism of the "coming one," McManigal's study offers readers a new insight into the nature of repenting and prophetic baptism, whether through water, fire or Spirit.