Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole Jordan Valley went to him.
Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea when Herod was king. After Jesus’ birth wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem.
Large crowds followed him. They came from Galilee, the Ten Cities, Jerusalem, Judea, and from across the Jordan River.
All Judea and all the people of Jerusalem went to him. As they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.
“Moses’ Teachings and the Prophets were ⌞in force⌟ until the time of John. Since that time, people have been telling the Good News about God’s kingdom, and everyone is trying to force their way into it.
John traveled throughout the region around the Jordan River. He told people about a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Crowds of people were coming to be baptized by John. He would say to them, “You poisonous snakes! Who showed you how to flee from God’s coming anger?
John was baptizing in Aenon, near Salim. Water was plentiful there. (People came to John to be baptized,
John was a lamp that gave off brilliant light. For a time you enjoyed the pleasure of his light.
