::John references the verses that follow [[Mal 3:1]] in describing the one who follows him. He doesn't quote the verses but restates their meaning:::==mightier than I==:[[Mal 3:2]] But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he [is] like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: He is mightier: Who can live through the day of his coming? He is mightier: Who can stand in his presence? "Every knee will bow.." <ref>[[Php 2:10]] That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth;</ref> He is mightier:He will clean the essence and the outside. <ref>[[Isa 1:18]] Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.</ref> :[[Mal 3:3]] And he shall sit [as] a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.