1. For fifteen years Emperor Tiberius had ruled that part of the world. Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was the ruler of Galilee. Herod's brother, Philip, was the ruler in the countries of Iturea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was the ruler of Abilene.
2. Annas and Caiaphas were the Jewish high priests.At that time God spoke to Zechariah's son John, who was living in the desert.
3. So John went along the Jordan Valley, telling the people, “Turn back to God and be baptized! Then your sins will be forgiven.”