⁶ Confessing their sins, they were baptized^(A) by him in the Jordan River.

¹⁸ Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done.

The Baptism of Jesus^(A)

¹³ Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.^{(B) 14} But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”

¹⁵ Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.

¹⁶ As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened,^(C) and he saw the Spirit of God^(D) descending like a dove and alighting on him.

⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins^(A) and purify us from all unrighteousness.^(B)

³⁸ Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized,^(A) every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.^(B) And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.^{(C) 39} The promise is for you and your children^(D) and for all who are far off^(E)—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

⁴⁰ With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”^{(F) 41} Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number^(G) that day.

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)

¹⁰ They are only a matter of food^(A) and drink^(B) and various ceremonial washings^(C)—external regulations^(D) applying until the time of the new order.

² instruction about cleansing rites,^[a](A) the laying on of hands,^(B) the resurrection of the dead,^(C) and eternal judgment.

⁵ he saved us,^(A) not because of righteous things we had done,^(B) but because of his mercy.^(C) He saved us through the washing^(D) of rebirth and renewal^(E) by the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom he poured out on us^(F) generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,