¹⁸ For Christ also suffered once^(A) for sins,^(B) the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.^(C) He was put to death in the body^(D) but made alive in the Spirit.^{(E) 19} After being made alive,^[a] he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits^(F)— ²⁰ to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently^(G) in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.^(H) In it only a few people, eight in all,^(I) were saved^(J) through water, ²¹ and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you^(K) also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience^(L) toward God.^[b] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,^{(M) 22} who has gone into heaven^(N) and is at God’s right hand^(O)—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.^(P)

The Baptism and Testing of Jesus^(A)(B)

⁹ At that time Jesus came from Nazareth^(C) in Galilee and was baptized by John^(D) in the Jordan. ¹⁰ Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.^{(E) 11} And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son,^(F) whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”^(G)

¹² At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, ¹³ and he was in the wilderness forty days,^(H) being tempted^[a] by Satan.^(I) He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

Jesus Announces the Good News^(J)

¹⁴ After John^(K) was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee,^(L) proclaiming the good news of God.^{(M) 15} “The time has come,”^(N) he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe^(O) the good news!”^(P)