1. IN THOSE days there appeared John the Baptist, preaching in the Wilderness (Desert) of Judea
2. And saying, Repent (think differently; change your mind, regretting your sins and changing your conduct), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
3. This is he who was mentioned by the prophet Isaiah when he said, The voice of one crying in the wilderness (shouting in the desert), Prepare the road for the Lord, make His highways straight (level, direct). [Isa. 40:3.]
4. This same John's garments were made of camel's hair, and he wore a leather girdle about his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. [Lev. 11:22; II Kings 1:8; Zech. 13:4.]
5. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the country round about the Jordan went out to him;
6. And they were baptized in the Jordan by him, confessing their sins.