Matthew 10:16-20

Contemporary English Version

Warning about Trouble

(Mark 13.9-13; Luke 21.12-17)

^16 (A) I am sending you like lambs into a pack of wolves. So be as wise as snakes and as innocent as doves. ^17 (B) Watch out for people who will take you to court and have you beaten in their synagogues. ¹⁸ Because of me, you will be dragged before rulers and kings to tell them and the Gentiles about your faith. ¹⁹ But when someone arrests you, don't worry about what you will say or how you will say it. At that time you will be given the words to say. ²⁰ But you will not really be the one speaking. The Spirit from your Father will tell you what to say.