The Preaching of John the Baptist

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus [fn]Christ, the Son of God.

2 As it is written in the [fn]Prophets,

“Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of yoʋ,

who will prepare yoʋr way [fn]before yoʋ,

3 the voice of one crying out in the wilderness,

‘Prepare the way for the Lord;

make his paths straight,’ ”

4 John [fn]came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside was going out to him, and so were [fn]the people of Jerusalem. They were all being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist; he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He proclaimed, “After me comes one who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”