People came to him from Jerusalem, from the whole province of Judea, and from all over the country near the Jordan River.

So John appeared in the desert, baptizing and preaching. "Turn away from your sins and be baptized," he told the people, "and God will forgive your sins."

Many people from the province of Judea and the city of Jerusalem went out to hear John. They confessed their sins, and he baptized them in the Jordan River.

All this happened in Bethany on the east side of the Jordan River, where John was baptizing.

So they went to John and told him, "Teacher, you remember the man who was with you on the east side of the Jordan, the one you spoke about? Well, he is baptizing now, and everyone is going to him!"

They confessed their sins, and he baptized them in the Jordan.

I baptize you with water to show that you have repented, but the one who will come after me will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. He is much greater than I am; and I am not good enough even to carry his sandals.

So John appeared in the desert, baptizing and preaching. "Turn away from your sins and be baptized," he told the people, "and God will forgive your sins."

I did not know who he would be, but I came baptizing with water in order to make him known to the people of Israel."

I still did not know that he was the one, but God, who sent me to baptize with water, had said to me, 'You will see the Spirit come down and stay on a man; he is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'

Before Jesus began his work, John preached to all the people of Israel that they should turn from their sins and be baptized.

Paul said, "The baptism of John was for those who turned from their sins; and he told the people of Israel to believe in the one who was coming after him---that is, in Jesus."

And now, why wait any longer? Get up and be baptized and have your sins washed away by praying to him.'

to tell his people that they will be saved by having their sins forgiven.