1 IN those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wild part of Judaea

2 and saying, "Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

3 For this is he who was foretold through Isaiah the prophet when he said: 'The voice of one crying aloud in the wilderness, Make ready the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.' "

4 This John had his clothing of camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.

5 Then went out to him Jerusalem and all Judaea and all the neighborhood of the Jordan

6 and were baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.

7 When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said, "Brood of vipers, who directed you to flee from the coming wrath?

8 Produce fruit fitting for a change of heart,

9 and do not think of saying to yourselves, 'We have Abraham for our father,' for I tell you God is able out of these stones to raise up children for Abraham.

10 Now the axe is lying at the root of the trees. Every tree that does not yield good fruit will be cut down and cast into the fire.

11 I baptize you with water for a change of heart, but he who is coming after me is more powerful than I; I am not worthy to carry his shoes; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

12 He has his fan in his hand and will thoroughly clean his threshing-floor. He will gather his grain into his storehouse, but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable."

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John to be baptized by him.

14 But John opposed him, saying, "I have need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"

15 Jesus replied, "Permit it now, for so it is fitting for us to complete every righteous act." Then he permitted him.

16 Jesus, as soon as he was baptized, went up from the water, and the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and coming upon him.

17 A voice from the heavens said, "This is my Son, the beloved in whom I delight."