King James Version
Matthew • Chapter 3
1
In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea.
2
And saying: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has drawn near.
3
For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying: "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight."
4
And John himself had clothing made of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.
5
Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region around the Jordan went out to him.
6
And they were being baptized in the Jordan River by him, confessing their sins.
7
Seeing many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them: "Brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?"
8
Therefore bear fruit worthy of repentance.
9
And do not think to say among yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father,' for I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.
10
Already the axe lies at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
11
I indeed baptize you in water for repentance; but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
12
Where the fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor and gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.
13
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John to be baptized by him.
14
But John was hindering him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me?"
15
And Jesus answering said to him, "Permit it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed him.
16
Then Jesus, having been baptized, immediately came up from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him.
17
And behold, a voice from the heavens said: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.