1 Naqueles dias, João Batista apareceu no deserto da Judeia e começou a anunciar a seguinte mensagem: 2 "Arrependam-se, pois o reino dos céus está próximo". 3 O profeta Isaías se referia a João quando disse:

"Ele é uma voz que clama no deserto:

‘Preparem o caminho para a vinda do Senhor!

Abram a estrada para ele!’".

4 As roupas de João eram tecidas com pelos de camelo, e ele usava um cinto de couro e alimentava-se de gafanhotos e mel silvestre. 5 Gente de Jerusalém, de toda a Judeia e de todo o vale do Jordão ia até ele. 6 Quando confessavam seus pecados, ele os batizava no rio Jordão.

1 In those days John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the wilderness of Judea

2 and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near!"

3 He was the one the prophet Isaiah was referring to when he said, "He is a voice calling out in the wilderness:‘Prepare the way for the Lord!Make his paths straight!’"

4 John had clothing made of camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist. His diet consisted of locusts and wild honey.

5 Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region along the Jordan began flocking to him,

6 being baptized by him in the Jordan River while they confessed their sins.