Malaquias 4
Origen of Alexandria · Comentário Patrístico (catena)
Malaquias 4:2
But do not take the statement that "he sprinkles to the east" as superfluous. From the east came atonement for you; for from there is the man whose name is "East," who became "a mediator between God and humanity." Therefore you are invited by this to always look "to the east" where "the Sun of Righteousness" arises for you, where a light is born for you; that you may never "walk in darkness" and that that last day does not seize you in darkness. [Therefore may] the night and fog of ignorance not come upon you unawares, but [may] you always be found in the light of knowledge, always have the day of faith and always preserve the light of love and peace. — HOMILIES ON LEVITICUS 9:10.2
Malaquias 4:5
Who of those who hear Jesus say of John, "If you wish to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come," would not inquire how John says to those who ask, "Are you Elijah?" "I am not"? Will he not also inquire how one ought to consider John himself to be Elijah who is to come, according to Malachi's statement: … "And behold, I am sending you Elijah the Tishbite before the great and renewed Day of the Lord comes, who will restore the heart of the father to his son and the heart of a man to his neighbor, lest I come and smite the earth utterly"? — COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 6:62
Malaquias 4:5
And what is the source of your belief that Elijah who is to come will baptize? He did not even baptize the wood on the altar in the times of Ahab, when it needed a bath that it might be burned up when the Lord appeared in the fire. He commanded the priests to do this, and not only once, for he says, "Do it a second time, when also they did it for a second time." And "Do it a third time, when also they did it a third time." How, then, will he who did not baptize at that time but gave the task to others, baptize when he has come in fulfillment of things said by Malachi? Christ therefore does not baptize in water but his disciples. He reserves for himself the act of baptizing with the Holy Spirit and fire. — COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 6:125