[1] In those days, John the Baptizer came, preaching in the wilderness of
Judea, saying, [2] "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!" [3] For
this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying, "The voice of
one crying in the wilderness, Make ready the way of the Lord, Make his
paths straight." [4] Now John himself had clothing made of camel`s hair,
and a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.
[5] Then people from Jerusalem, all of Judea, and all the region around the
Jordan went out to him. [6] They were baptized by him in the Jordan,
confessing their sins. [7] But when he saw many of the Pharisees and
Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them, "You offspring of
vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? [8] Therefore bring
forth fruit worthy of repentance! [9] Don`t think to yourselves, `We have
Abraham for our father,` for I tell you that God is able to raise up
children to Abraham from these stones. [10] Even now the ax lies at the
root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn`t bring forth good
fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire. [11] I indeed baptize you in
water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose
shoes I am not worthy to carry. He shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit.
[12] His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his
threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he
will burn up with unquenchable fire." [13] Then Jesus came from Galilee to
the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. [14] But John would have
hindered him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me?"
[15] But Jesus, answering, said to him, "Allow it now, for this is the
fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed him. [16]
Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold,
the heavens were opened to him. He saw the Spirit of God descending as a
dove, and coming on him. [17] Behold, a voice out of the heavens said,
"This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
