The Ministry of John the Baptist

1:1 The beginning of the gospel1 of Jesus Christ,2 the Son of God.3 1:2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,4

“Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,

who will prepare your way,5

1:3 the voice of one shouting in the wilderness,

‘Prepare the way for the Lord,

make6 his paths straight.’ ”7

1:4 In the wilderness8 John the baptizer9 began preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.10 1:5 People11 from the whole Judean countryside and all of Jerusalem12 were going out to him, and he was baptizing them13 in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins. 1:6 John wore a garment made of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.14 1:7 He proclaimed,15 “One more powerful than I am is coming after me; I am not worthy16 to bend down and untie the strap17 of his sandals. 1:8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”