¹⁵ (John testified^(A) concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”)^(B)

¹¹ “I baptize you with^[a] water for repentance.^(A) But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with^[b] the Holy Spirit^(B) and fire.^(C)

¹⁷ He is before all things,^(A) and in him all things hold together.

The Word Became Flesh

1 In the beginning was the Word,^(A) and the Word was with God,^(B) and the Word was God.^{(C) 2} He was with God in the beginning.^(D)

¹⁶ John answered them all, “I baptize you with^[a] water.^(A) But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with^[b] the Holy Spirit and fire.^(B)

⁵⁸ “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born,^(A) I am!”^(B)

³³ “You have sent to John and he has testified^(A) to the truth. ³⁴ Not that I accept human testimony;^(B) but I mention it that you may be saved.^{(C) 35} John was a lamp that burned and gave light,^(D) and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.

³⁶ “I have testimony weightier than that of John.^(E) For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing^(F)—testify that the Father has sent me.^(G)