John the Baptist Prepares the Way^(A)

3 In those days John the Baptist^(B) came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea ² and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven^(C) has come near.”

¹⁹ Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out,^(A) that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, ²⁰ and that he may send the Messiah,^(B) who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.

²¹ I have declared to both Jews^(A) and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance^(B) and have faith in our Lord Jesus.^(C)