Verse 4

John came baptizing{To baptize means to immerse in (or wash with) water (or fire). This baptizm is not just to cleanse the body, but as an outward sign of an inward spiritual cleansing and commitment.} in the wilderness and preaching the baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins.

Referenced Verses

  • Luke 1:77 : 77 To give knowledge of salvation to his people by the remission of their sins,
  • Luke 3:2-3 : 2 in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness. 3 He came into all the region around the Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for remission of sins.
  • John 3:23 : 23 John also was baptizing in Enon near Salim, because there was much water there. They came, and were baptized.
  • Acts 10:37 : 37 that spoken word you yourselves know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
  • Acts 13:24-25 : 24 before his coming, when John had first preached the baptism of repentance to Israel.{TR, NU read "to all the people of Israel" instead of "to Israel"} 25 As John was fulfilling his course, he said, 'What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. But behold, one comes after me the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.'
  • Acts 19:3-4 : 3 He said, "Into what then were you baptized?" They said, "Into John's baptism." 4 Paul said, "John indeed baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe in the one who would come after him, that is, in Jesus."
  • Acts 22:16 : 16 Now why do you wait? Arise, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.'
  • Matt 3:1-2 : 1 In those days, John the Baptizer came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, 2 "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!"
  • Matt 3:6 : 6 They were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.
  • Matt 3:11 : 11 I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.{TR and NU add "and with fire"}