He went into all the countryside around the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized and turn away from their sins so that God would forgive them.
Paul explained, “John baptized people, calling them to turn away from their sins. He told them to believe in the one who was coming after him, meaning Jesus.”
The disciples came to John and said, “Rabbi, everyone is going to that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan River. You were a witness about who he was, and now he’s here baptizing people.”
“I’m baptizing you with water so you can show that you’ve turned away from your sins. But someone is coming after me who’s more powerful than I am. I’m not even worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
He will bring many of the people of Israel back to the Lord their God. Having the same spirit and power as Elijah, he will go ahead of the Lord, creating peace between parents and their children and teaching people who are disobeying to be wise and do what is right.