13. "Don't collect any more than you are required to," John told them.
14. Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?" John replied, "Don't force people to give you money. Don't bring false charges against people. Be happy with your pay."
15. The people were waiting. They were expecting something. They were all wondering in their hearts if John might be the Christ.
16. John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But One who is more powerful than I am will come. I'm not good enough to untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
17. His pitchfork is in his hand to toss the straw away from his threshing floor. He will gather the wheat into his storeroom. But he will burn up the husks with fire that can't be put out."
18. John said many other things to warn the people. He also preached the good news to them.
19. But John found fault with Herod, the ruler of Galilee, because of Herodias. She was the wife of Herod's brother. John also spoke strongly to Herod about all the other evil things he had done.
20. So Herod locked him up in prison. He added this sin to all his others.
21. When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened.