1In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea.2and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near."3For this is the one spoken of through Isaiah the prophet, saying, “Voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’”4John had a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.5Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region of the Jordan went out to him,6and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.7But seeing many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, "Brood of vipers, who showed you how to flee from the coming wrath?"8Produce fruit worthy of repentance.9And do not think to say within yourselves, "We have Father Abraham," for I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham out of these stones.10But already the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore not producing good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.11I baptize you with water for repentance, but the one coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.12"His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the storehouse, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."