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during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.
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He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,
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as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
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Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth;
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and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.' "
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John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
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Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, "We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham.
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Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."
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And the crowds asked him, "What then should we do?"
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In reply he said to them, "Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise."
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Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, "Teacher, what should we do?"