1In those days John the Baptist comes preaching in the wilderness of Judea.2And saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of the heavens has come near."3This is the one spoken of through Isaiah the prophet, saying, "A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Make ready the road of the Lord; make straight his paths."4John himself had his clothing from camel's hair and a leather belt about his loins; his food was locusts and wild honey.5Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region around the Jordan were going out to him.6And they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.7When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, "Offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?"8Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance.9And do not think to say among yourselves, 'We have Abraham as father'; for I say to you that God is able to raise children to Abraham from these stones.10Already the axe lies at the root of the trees; therefore every tree not producing good fruit is cut down and thrown into fire.11I on the other hand baptize you in water for repentance, but the one coming after me is stronger than I; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire.12His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear out his threshing floor and gather his grain into the storehouse, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.