Luke 3:2-18

2in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas [his son-in-law], the word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness.

3And he went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sin;

4as it is written and forever remains written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, Make His paths straight.

5Every ravine shall be filled up, And every mountain and hill shall be leveled; And the crooked [places] shall be made straight, And the rough roads smooth;

6and all mankind shall see the salvation of God.’ ”

7So he began saying to the crowds who were coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath [of God that is] to come?

8Therefore produce fruit that is worthy of [and consistent with your] repentance [that is, live changed lives, turn from sin and seek God and His righteousness]. And do not even begin to say to yourselves [as a defense], ‘We have Abraham for our father [and so our heritage assures us of salvation]’; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children (descendants) for Abraham [for God can replace the unrepentant, regardless of their heritage, with those who are obedient].

9Even now the axe [of God’s judgment] is swinging toward the root of the trees; so every tree that does not produce good fruit is being cut down and thrown into the fire.”

10The crowds asked him, “Then what are we to do?”

11And John replied, “The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do the same.”

12Even some tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked, “Teacher, what are we to do?”

13And he told them, “Collect no more than the fixed amount you have been ordered to [collect].”

14Some soldiers asked him, “And what about us, what are we to do?” And he replied to them, “Do not extort money from anyone or harass or blackmail anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.”

15Now the people were in a state of expectation, and all were wondering in their hearts about John, as to whether he was the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed).

16John answered them all by saying, “As for me, I baptize you [only] with water; but One who is mightier [more powerful, more noble] than I is coming, and I am not fit to untie the strap of His sandals [even as His slave]. He will baptize you [who truly repent] with the Holy Spirit and [you who remain unrepentant] with fire.

17His winnowing fork is in His hand to thoroughly clear His threshing floor, and to gather the wheat (believers) into His barn (kingdom); but He will burn up the chaff (the unrepentant) with unquenchable fire.”

18So with many other appeals and various admonitions John preached the good news (gospel) to the people.