Matthew

3 Now in those days came John the Immerser, proclaiming in the wilderness of Judaea;

2 saying, Repent ye,—for the kingdom of the heavens hath drawn near.

3 For this is he who was spoken of through Isaiah the prophet, saying, A voice of one crying aloud! In the wilderness prepare ye the way of the Lord, Straight be making his paths.

4 But John himself had his raiment of camel’s hair and a leathern girdle about his loins,—while his food was locusts and wild honey.

5 Then were going forth unto him—Jerusalem and all Judaea, and all the country round about the Jordan:

6 and were being immersed in the Jordan river by him, openly confessing their sins.

7 But seeing many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming unto his immersion he said to them,—Broods of vipers! who suggested to you, to be fleeing from the coming wrath?

8 Bring forth therefore fruit worthy of repentance;

9 and think not to be saying within yourselves,—As our father we have Abraham; For I say unto you that God is able out of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

10 Already also the axe unto the root of the trees is being laid,—every tree therefore not bringing forth good fruit is to be hewn down, and into fire to be cast.

11 I indeed am immersing you in water, unto repentance,—but he who after me cometh is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to bear he will immerse you in Holy Spirit and fire:

12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will clear out his threshing-floor,—and will gather his wheat into the granary, but the chaff will he burn up with fire unquenchable.

13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to the Jordan unto John,—to be immersed by him.

14 But he would have hindered him saying—I have need by thee to be immersed,—and dost thou come unto me?

15 But Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer [me] even now,—for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness; Then he suffered him.

16 And Jesus having been immersed straightway went up from the water,—and lo! the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove coming upon him;

17 and lo! a voice out of the heavens,—saying, This is my Son, the Beloved, in whom I delight.