² and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven^(A) has come near.”

⁸ Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.^(A)

⁴ for John had been saying to him: “It is not lawful for you to have her.”^(A)

⁴ And so John the Baptist^(A) appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance^(B) for the forgiveness of sins.^(C)

³ He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.^(A)

⁸ Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’^(A) For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. ⁹ The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”^(B)

¹¹ John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”^(A)

¹³ “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,”^(A) he told them.

¹⁴ Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?”

He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely^(B)—be content with your pay.”