The Mission of John the Baptist (Isaiah 40:1–5; Mark 1:1–8; Luke 3:1–20; John 1:19–28)
1 CPDV Now in those days, John the Baptist arrived, preaching in the desert of Judea, BSB BSB: In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea
2 CPDV and saying: “Repent. For the kingdom of heaven has drawn near.” BSB BSB: and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
3 CPDV For this is the one who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah, saying: “A voice crying out in the desert: Prepare the way of the Lord. Make straight his paths.” BSB BSB: This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’”
4 CPDV Now the same John had a garment made from the hair of camels, and a leather belt around his waist. And his food was locusts and wild honey. BSB BSB: John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.
5 CPDV Then Jerusalem, and all Judea, and the entire region around the Jordan went out to him. BSB BSB: People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region around the Jordan.
6 CPDV And they were baptized by him in the Jordan, acknowledging their sins. BSB BSB: Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
7 CPDV Then, seeing many of the Pharisees and Sadducees arriving for his baptism, he said to them: “Progeny of vipers, who warned you to flee from the approaching wrath? BSB BSB: But when John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his place of baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
8 CPDV Therefore, produce fruit worthy of repentance. BSB BSB: Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance.
9 CPDV And do not choose to say within yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that God has the power to raise up sons to Abraham from these stones. BSB BSB: And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
10 CPDV For even now the axe has been placed at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that does not produce good fruit shall be cut down and cast into the fire. BSB BSB: The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
11 CPDV Indeed, I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who will come after me is more powerful than me. I am not worthy to carry his shoes. He will baptize you with the fire of the Holy Spirit. BSB BSB: I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
12 CPDV His winnowing fan is in his hand. And he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor. And he will gather his wheat into the barn. But the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” BSB BSB: His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
The Baptism of Jesus (Mark 1:9–11; Luke 3:21–22; John 1:29–34)
13 CPDV Then Jesus came from Galilee, to John at the Jordan, in order to be baptized by him. BSB BSB: At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.
14 CPDV But John refused him, saying, “I ought to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me?” BSB BSB: But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?”
15 CPDV And responding, Jesus said to him: “Permit this for now. For in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all justice.” Then he allowed him. BSB BSB: “Let it be so now,” Jesus replied. “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.” Then John permitted Him.
17 CPDV And behold, there was a voice from heaven, saying: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” BSB BSB: And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!”