The Preaching of John the Baptist
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, athe Son of God.
2 aAs it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
“bBehold, I send My messenger ahead of You,
Who will prepare Your way;
3 aThe voice of one crying in the wilderness,
‘Make ready the way of the Lord,
Make His paths straight.’”
4 John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness apreaching a baptism of repentance for the bforgiveness of sins. 5 And all the region of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. 6 And John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore aa leather belt around his waist and was eating locusts and wild honey. 7 And he was preaching, saying, “After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the strap of His sandals. 8 I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”