1. In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea,
2. And saying, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
3. For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
4. And the same John had his clothing of camel's hair, and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey.
5. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round about the Jordan,
6. And were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.
7. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said to them, O generation of vipers, who has warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8. Bring forth therefore fruits suitable for repentance:
9. And do not think to say within yourselves, We have Abraham as our father: for I say to you, that God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.
10. And now also the axe is laid to the root of the trees: therefore every tree which does not bring forth good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire.
11. I indeed baptize you with 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 with the Holy Spirit, and with fire:
12. Whose winnowing fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
13. Then came Jesus from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.
14. But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized by you, and you come to me?
15. And Jesus answering said to him, Permit it to be so now: for thus it is suitable for us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he permitted him.
16. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up immediately out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and coming upon him:
17. And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.