And they asked him, “Teacher, (A)when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” And he said, (B)“See that you are not led astray. For (C)many will come in my name, saying, (D)‘I am he!’ and, (E)‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be (F)terrified, for these things (G)must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”

Jesus Foretells Wars and Persecution

10 Then he said to them, (H)“Nation will rise against nation, and (I)kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great (J)earthquakes, and in various places (K)famines and pestilences. And there will be (L)terrors and great (M)signs from heaven. 12 But before all this (N)they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to (O)the synagogues and (P)prisons, and you (Q)will be brought before (R)kings and (S)governors for my name's sake. 13 (T)This will be your opportunity to bear witness. 14 Settle it therefore in your minds (U)not to meditate beforehand how to answer, 15 for (V)I will give you a mouth and (W)wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or (X)contradict. 16 You will be delivered up (Y)even by parents and brothers[a] and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. 17 (Z)You will be hated by all for my name's sake. 18 But (AA)not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your (AB)endurance you will gain your lives.

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Footnotes

  1. Luke 21:16 Or parents and brothers and sisters

They asked him, “Teacher, when will these things happen? What sign will show that these things are about to happen?”

Jesus said, “Watch out that you aren’t deceived. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I’m the one!’ and ‘It’s time!’ Don’t follow them. When you hear of wars and rebellions, don’t be alarmed. These things must happen first, but the end won’t happen immediately.”

10 Then Jesus said to them, “Nations and kingdoms will fight against each other. 11 There will be great earthquakes and wide-scale food shortages and epidemics. There will also be terrifying sights and great signs in the sky. 12 But before all this occurs, they will take you into custody and harass you because of your faith. They will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13 This will provide you with an opportunity to testify. 14 Make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance. 15 I’ll give you words and wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to counter or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed by your parents, brothers and sisters, relatives, and friends. They will execute some of you. 17 Everyone will hate you because of my name. 18 Still, not a hair on your heads will be lost. 19 By holding fast, you will gain your lives.

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