Signs of the End of the Age

⁷ “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)

⁸ 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) 9} 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)