5. Then people from Jerusalem, all of Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him.

6. They were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.

When he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

For JOHN came to you in the way of righteousness, and you didn't believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. When you saw it, you didn't even repent afterward, that you might believe him.

All the country of Judea and all those of Jerusalem went out to him. They were baptized by him in the Jordan river, confessing their sins.

If we should say, 'From men'"-they feared the people, for all held JOHN to really be a prophet.

7. He said therefore to the multitudes who went out to be baptized by him, "You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

8. Therefore produce fruits worthy of repentance, and don't begin to say among yourselves, 'We have Abraham for our father;' for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones!

9. Even now the ax also lies at the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that doesn't produce good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire."

10. The multitudes asked him, "What then must we do?"

11. He answered them, "He who has two coats, let him give to him who has none. He who has food, let him do likewise."

12. Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, "Teacher, what must we do?"

13. He said to them, "Collect no more than that which is appointed to you."

14. Soldiers also asked him, saying, "What about us? What must we do?"He said to them, "Extort from no one by violence, neither accuse anyone wrongfully. Be content with your wages."

15. As the people were in expectation, and all men reasoned in their hearts concerning JOHN, whether perhaps he was the Christ,

But if we say, 'From men,' all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that JOHN was a prophet."