Signs and Persecutions^(A)

⁷ They asked Him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when this is about to happen?”

⁸ He said, “Beware lest you be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them. ⁹ When you hear of wars and commotions, do not be afraid. For these things must first take place, but the end will not be at hand.”

¹⁰ Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. ¹¹ Great earthquakes will occur in various places, and there will be famines and pestilence. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.

¹² “But before all these things, they will seize you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for My name’s sake. ¹³ It will turn out as a testimony for you. ¹⁴ Therefore resolve in your hearts beforehand not to practice your defense. ¹⁵ For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your opponents will be able to neither refute nor resist. ¹⁶ You will be betrayed by parents and brothers and relatives and friends. And they will put some of you to death. ¹⁷ You will be hated by all men for My name’s sake, ¹⁸ but not a hair of your head shall perish. ¹⁹ In your endurance you will gain your souls.