¹² “Don’t be afraid,^(A) Daniel,” he said to me, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God,^(B) your prayers were heard. I have come because of your prayers.^(C)

²⁰ He said, “Do you know why I’ve come to you? I must return at once to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I leave, the prince of Greece will come.^{(A) 21} No one has the courage to support me against them except Michael,^(B) your prince. However, I will tell you what is recorded in the book of truth. 11 ¹ In the first year of Darius the Mede,^(C) I stood up to strengthen and protect him. ² Now I will tell you the truth.^(D)

Prophecies about Persia and Greece

“Three more kings will arise in Persia, and the fourth will be far richer than the others. By the power he gains through his riches, he will stir up everyone against the kingdom of Greece.^(E)

Truth and Freedom

³⁰ As He was saying these things, many believed in Him. ³¹ So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word,^[a](A) you really are My disciples. ³² You will know the truth,^(B) and the truth will set you free.”

³³ “We are descendants^[b] of Abraham,”^(C) they answered Him, “and we have never been enslaved to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will become free’?”

³⁴ Jesus responded, “I assure you: Everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.^{(D) 35} A slave does not remain in the household forever,^(E) but a son does remain forever.^{(F) 36} Therefore, if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.