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.”
4. Isaiah the prophet wrote about John when he said,“In the desertsomeone is shouting,‘Get the road readyfor the Lord!Make a straight pathfor him.
5. Fill up every valleyand level every mountainand hill.Straighten the crooked pathsand smooth outthe rough roads.
6. Then everyone will seethe saving power of God.’ ”