In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying; «Repent; for it is at hand the kingdom of heaven».
For this is the one who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah saying; «The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths».
Now John himself he wore clothing made of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.
Then they went out to listen to him people from Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region around the Jordan, and were baptized in the Jordan by him confessing their sins.
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism he said to them; «You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Bear fruits therefore worthy of repentance, and do not think that you can say to yourselves, «We have Abraham as our father»; For I say to you that God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham.
And even now the ax to the root of the trees is laid; therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance; but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose I am not worthy to carry the sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
His winnowing fork is in His hand and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn, but the chaff He will burn up with unquenchable fire».
Then Jesus came from Galilee at the Jordan to John to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying; «I have the need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?»
But Jesus answered and said to him; «Allow it for now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness». Then he allowed Him;
And after He had been baptized Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down upon Him; And behold, a voice came from heaven saying; «This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased».
