The Holy Bible · Matthew

Matthew 3

← Matthew 2  Â·  Matthew: all chapters  Â·  Matthew 4 →

1In those days John the Baptist appeared, proclaiming 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: “A voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.’”

4John himself wore clothing of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist; his food was locusts and wild honey.

5Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him,

6and they were 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, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?

8Bear fruit, then, worthy of repentance,

9and do not suppose you can say among yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as father.’ For I tell you that God can raise up children for Abraham from these stones.

10Already the axe lies at the root of the trees. Every tree, therefore, that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into fire.

11I baptize you in water for repentance, but the One coming after me is stronger than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire.

12His winnowing shovel is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor and gather His wheat into the storehouse; but He will burn the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan, to John, to be baptized by him.

14John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?”

15Jesus answered him, “Allow it now, for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.

16When Jesus was baptized, He immediately came up from the water. And behold, the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon Him.

17And behold, a voice from the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

---

← Matthew 2  Â·  Matthew: all chapters  Â·  Matthew 4 →

Saints Translation · Liturgical reading edition · V1 working draft awaiting specialist review.