² But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. ³ Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light. What you have spoken in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.

⁴ “I tell you, my friends, don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. ⁵ But I will warn you whom you should fear. Fear him who after he has killed, has power to cast into Gehenna.^[a] Yes, I tell you, fear him.

⁶ “Aren’t five sparrows sold for two assaria coins^[b] ? Not one of them is forgotten by God. ⁷ But the very hairs of your head are all counted. Therefore don’t be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.

⁸ “I tell you, everyone who confesses me before men, the Son of Man will also confess before the angels of God; ⁹ but he who denies me in the presence of men will be denied in the presence of God’s angels. ¹⁰ Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. ¹¹ When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, don’t be anxious how or what you will answer, or what you will say; ¹² for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that same hour what you must say.”