When the Pharisees and Sadducees flocked to the baptism of John, that fearless preacher of righteousness addressed them: “O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.” These men were actuated by unworthy motives in coming to John. They were men of poisonous principles and corrupt practices. Yet they had no sense of their true condition. Filled with pride and ambition, they would not hesitate at any means to exalt themselves and strengthen their influence with the people. They came to receive baptism at the hand of John that they might better carry out these designs. {5T 225.2}

Da farisæerne og saddukæerne flokkedes om Johannes døber, sagde denne frygtløse forkynder til dem: »I øgleunger! hvem gav jer den tanke at fly fra den kommende vrede? Så bær da frugt, som er omvendelsen værdig.« Disse mænd blev, ved uværdige motiver, tilskyndet til at komme til Johannes. De var mænd med giftige principper og fordærvede handlinger. Dog havde de ingen fornemmelse af andres egentlige tilstand. Fyldt med stolthed og ærgerrighed, ville de ikke holde sig tilbage for at ophøje sig selv og få indflydelse på folk. De kom for at få dåben fra Johannes hænder, så de bedre kunne gennemføre disse planer.