The ministry of John the Baptist. The baptism and temptation of Christ. He preaches and calls Peter, Andrew, James, and John. He performs healings

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written among the prophets: “now, I am sending My angel before You, who will prepare Your way before You” (Mal. 3:1). 3 “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the Lord’s way, make his paths straight’ (Isa. 40:3).” 4 John the Baptist was baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the land of Judea and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him, and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. 6 And John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He was preaching and saying: “After me comes One more powerful than I, before whom, bowing down, I am not worthy even to untie the straps of his sandals. 8 I baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” 9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. 10 And at that moment, as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit of God, like a dove, coming down upon him. 11 And a voice was heard from heaven, saying: “You are my beloved Son, in whom is my good pleasure.” 12 And immediately the Spirit led Him into the wilderness. 13 And there in the wilderness he remained forty days, being tempted by Satan, and he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him. 14 After John was imprisoned, Jesus came into Galilee. He was preaching the Gospel of God and saying. 15 “The time has been fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has drawn near. Repent and believe in the gospel.” 16 And as he was passing along by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting nets into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Come after Me, and I will make you fishers of people.” 18 And they immediately left their nets and went after Him. 19 And going on a little farther from there, he saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in the boat putting their nets in order. 20 And immediately he called them. And leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, they went after him. 21 They entered Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath day, after going into the synagogue, Jesus was teaching them. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, because he was teaching them like one who has authority, and not like the scribes. 23 In their synagogue there was a man possessed by an unclean spirit, and he cried out 24 and he said, “Leave us alone. What is there between us and you, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? We know who you are: the Holy One of God.” 25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him.” 26 And the unclean spirit, shaking him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 All of them were amazed, so that they were questioning one another and saying, “What is this new teaching, that with authority he even rebukes unclean spirits, and they obey him?” 28 And his fame immediately spread throughout the whole surrounding region of Galilee. 29 And immediately, after coming out of the synagogue, they came with James and John to the house of Simon and Andrew. 30 Now Simon’s mother-in-law was lying down sick with a fever, and immediately they told Him about her. 31 And coming near, he took her by the hand and raised her up, and the fever immediately left her, and she began to serve them. 32 And in the evening, when the sun had set, they were bringing to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. 33 And the whole city was gathered at the door. 34 And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, cast out many demons, and did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew him, that he is the Christ. 35 And in the morning, while it was still dark, he got up, went out, and went to a deserted place, and there he was praying. 36 And Simon and those with him went after Him. 37 And when they found Him, they said, “Everyone is looking for You.” 38 And He said to them, “Let us go to the nearby towns and villages, so that I may preach there also, because that is why I have come.” 39 And he was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and was casting out demons. 40 A leper came to Jesus. Kneeling down, he pleaded with him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can cleanse me.” 41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I am willing. be cleansed.” 42 And as soon as he said it, the leprosy immediately left him, and he was cleansed. 43 Jesus immediately sent him away and strictly commanded him 44 and he said, “Be careful not to tell anyone anything, but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer a sacrifice for your cleansing as a testimony, what Moses commanded.” 45 But he went out and began to proclaim it zealously and to spread the news, so much so that Jesus could no longer enter the city openly, but stayed outside in deserted places. And the people were coming to him from every direction.