Matthew Chapter 3 (Index)

001  In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,

002  And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

003  For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

004  And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

005  Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,

006  And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

007  But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

008  Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

009  And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

010  And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

011  I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

012  Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

013  Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

014  But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

015  And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

016  And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

017  And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.