^{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."