¹

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

²

As it is written in the Prophets:"Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You."

³

The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight.' "

⁴

John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

⁵

Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.

⁶

Now John was clothed with camel's hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.

⁷

And he preached, saying, "There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose.

⁸

I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.