Luke 3:2-16
2during athe high priesthood of Annas and bCaiaphas, cthe word of God came to dJohn the son of Zechariah in ethe wilderness. 3And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming fa baptism of repentance gfor the forgiveness of sins. 4As it is written in hthe book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, i“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:j‘Prepare the way of the Lord, ▼
▼Or crying, Prepare in the wilderness the way of the Lord
make his paths straight.
5 lEvery valley shall be filled,
mand every mountain and hill shall be made low,
nand the crooked shall become straight,
and the rough places shall become level ways,
6 oand all flesh shall see pthe salvation of God.’”
7He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, q“You brood of rvipers! Who warned you to flee from sthe wrath to come? 8Bear fruits tin keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, u‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from vthese stones to raise up children for Abraham. 9Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. wEvery tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” 10And the crowds asked him, x“What then shall we do?” 11And he answered them, y“Whoever has two tunics ▼
▼Greek chiton, a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin
is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” 12 aaTax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, abwhat shall we do?” 13And he said to them, ac“Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” 14Soldiers also asked him, “And we, adwhat shall we do?” And he said to them, ae“Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your afwages.” 15As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, agwhether he might be ahthe Christ, 16 aiJohn answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but ajhe who is mightier than I is coming, akthe strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you alwith the Holy Spirit and amfire.
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