Jesus and John the Baptist^(A)

11 After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples,^(B) he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.^[a]

² When John,^(C) who was in prison,^(D) heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples ³ to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come,^(E) or should we expect someone else?”

⁴ Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: ⁵ The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy^[b] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.^{(F) 6} Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”^(G)

¹³ Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?^{(B) 14} But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.^(C) “Do not fear their threats^[b]; do not be frightened.”^{[c](D) 15} But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer^(E) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope^(F) that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience,^(G) so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.^(H)