1
It was the fifteenth year of the rule of Emperor Tiberius; Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip was ruler of the territory of Iturea and Trachonitis; Lysanias was ruler of Abilene,
2
and Annas and Caiaphas were High Priests. At that time the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert.
3
So John went throughout the whole territory of the Jordan River, preaching, "Turn away from your sins and be baptized, and God will forgive your sins."
4
As it is written in the book of the prophet Isaiah: 1 "Someone is shouting in the desert: "Get the road ready for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel!
5
Every valley must be filled up, every hill and mountain leveled off. The winding roads must be made straight, and the rough paths made smooth.
6
The whole human race will see God's salvation!' "