Persecutions Predicted

16 “Look, I’m sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as serpents and as harmless as doves.(A) 17 Because people will hand you over to sanhedrins[a] and flog you in their synagogues,(B) beware of them. 18 You will even be brought before governors and kings because of Me, to bear witness to them and to the nations.(C) 19 But when they hand you over, don’t worry about how or what you should speak.(D) For you will be given what to say at that hour, 20 because you are not speaking, but the Spirit(E) of your Father is speaking through you.(F)

21 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will even rise up against their parents and have them put to death.(G) 22 You will be hated by everyone because of My name.(H) But the one who endures to the end will be delivered.[b](I)

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Footnotes

  1. Matthew 10:17 Local Jewish courts or local councils
  2. Matthew 10:22 Or saved

16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.(A) Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.(B) 17 Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils(C) and be flogged in the synagogues.(D) 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings(E) as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it.(F) At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father(G) speaking through you.

21 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents(H) and have them put to death.(I) 22 You will be hated by everyone because of me,(J) but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.(K)

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