1IN those days came John the Baptist; and he was preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2Saying, Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is near.

3For it was he of whom it was said by the prophet Isaiah, The voice which cries in the wilderness, Prepare the way of the Lord, and straighten his highways.

4Now the same John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had leathern belts around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5Then there went out to him, Jerusalem and all of Judaea, and the whole country around Jordan. 6And they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, as they confessed their sins.

7But when he saw a great many of the Pharisees and Sadducees who were coming to be baptized, he said to them, O offspring of scorpions, who has warned you to escape from the anger which is to come? 8Bring forth therefore fruits which are worthy of repentance; 9And do not think and say within yourselves, We have Abraham as our father; for I say to you that God can raise up children for Abraham from these stones. 10Behold, the axe is already placed at the root of the trees; therefore, every tree which bears not good fruits shall be cut down and dropped in the fire.

11I am just baptizing you with water for repentance; but he who is coming after me is greater than I, the one even whose shoes I am not worthy to remove; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12Whose shovel is in his hand, and he purifies his threshings; the wheat he gathers into his barns, and the straw he burns up in the unquenchable fire.

13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14But John tried to stop him, and said, I need to be baptized by you, and yet have you come to me? 15But Jesus answered and said to him, Permit now, for this is necessary for us so that all righteousness may be fulfilled; and then he permitted him. 16When Jesus was baptized, he immediately came out of the water; and the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and coming upon him; 17And behold, a voice from heaven, which said, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am pleased.