2
Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
3
And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance, for the remission of sins;
4
As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
5
Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways [shall be] made smooth;
6
And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
7
Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized by him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8
Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham for [our] father: for I say to you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children to Abraham.
9
And now also the ax is laid to the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit, is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
10
And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?
11
He answereth and saith to them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath provisions, let him do likewise.
12
Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said to him, Master, what shall we do?