Signs of the End of the Age

“Teacher,” they asked him, “so when will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” (A)

Then he said, “Watch out that you are not deceived.(B) For many will come in my name,(C) saying, ‘I am he,’(D) and, ‘The time is near.’ Don’t follow them.(E) When you hear of wars and rebellions,[a] don’t be alarmed. Indeed, it is necessary that these things take place first, but the end won’t come right away.”

10 Then he told them, “Nation will be raised up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.(F) 11 There will be violent earthquakes,(G) and famines and plagues(H) in various places, and there will be terrifying sights and great signs from heaven.(I) 12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you(J) and persecute(K) you. They will hand you over to the synagogues(L) and prisons,(M) and you will be brought before kings and governors(N) because of my name. 13 This will give you an opportunity to bear witness.(O) 14 Therefore make up your minds[b] not to prepare your defense ahead of time,(P) 15 for I will give you such words(Q) and a wisdom(R) that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.(S) 16 You will even be betrayed by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends.(T) They will kill some of you. 17 You will be hated by everyone because of my name,(U) 18 but not a hair of your head will be lost.(V) 19 By your endurance, gain[c] your lives.(W)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 21:9 Or insurrections, or revolutions, or chaos
  2. 21:14 Lit Therefore place (determine) in your hearts
  3. 21:19 Other mss read endurance, you will gain

The Coming Wars and Revolutions(A)

Then they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things happen, and what is to be the sign when these things are about to take place?”

He said, “See to it that you aren’t deceived, because many will come in my name, proclaiming, ‘I AM,’ and, ‘The time has come.’ Don’t follow them. But when you hear of wars and revolutions, don’t ever be terrified, because these sorts of things must take place first, but the end won’t come right away.”

10 Then he went on to say to them, “Nation will rise up in arms against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 In addition there will be great earthquakes, famines, and plagues in various places, as well as terrifying events, including significant signs from heaven.”

Future Persecutions(B)

12 “But before all these things, people[a] will arrest you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake, 13 in order to give you an opportunity to testify. 14 So purpose in your hearts not to prepare your defense ahead of time, 15 because I will give you the ability to speak, along with wisdom, that none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated continuously by everyone on account of my name. 18 And yet not a hair on your head will be lost. 19 But the person who endures to the end will be saved.”

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Luke 21:12 Lit. they