^{2 Ref} in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness.

^{3 Ref} He came into all the region around the Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for remission of sins.

^{4 Ref} As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Make ready the way of the Lord. Make his paths straight.

^{5 Ref} Every valley will be filled. Every mountain and hill will be brought low. The crooked will become straight, And the rough ways smooth.

^{6 Ref} All flesh will see God's salvation.'"

^{7 Ref} He said therefore to the multitudes who went out to be baptized by him, "You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

^{8 Ref} Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and don't begin to say among yourselves, 'We have Abraham for our father;' for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones!

^{9 Ref} Even now the axe also lies at the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that doesn't bring forth good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire."

^{10 Ref} The multitudes asked him, "What then must we do?"

^{11 Ref} He answered them, "He who has two coats, let him give to him who has none. He who has food, let him do likewise."

^{12 Ref} Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, "Teacher, what must we do?"

^{13 Ref} He said to them, "Collect no more than that which is appointed to you."

^{14 Ref} Soldiers also asked him, saying, "What about us? What must we do?" He said to them, "Extort from no one by violence, neither accuse anyone wrongfully. Be content with your wages."

^{15 Ref} As the people were in expectation, and all men reasoned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he was the Christ,

^{16 Ref} John answered them all, "I indeed baptize you with water, but he comes who is mightier than I, the latchet of whose sandals I am not worthy to loosen. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire,