Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

Jesus Pre-Warns The Twelve About The Persecution They Will Face In The Future

¹⁶ “Behold— I am sending^[a] you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be shrewd^[b] as the snakes, and innocent^[c] as the doves. ¹⁷ And beware of people. For they will hand you over to councils^[d] and whip you in their synagogues. ¹⁸ And you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake— for a testimony to them^[e] and to the Gentiles. ¹⁹ But whenever they hand you over, do not be anxious-about how or what you should speak. For what you should speak will be given to you in that hour. ²⁰ For you are not the ones speaking, but the Spirit of your Father is the One speaking in you. ²¹ And brother will hand-over brother to death, and a father his child. And children will rise-up-in-rebellion^[f] against parents and they will put them to death. ²² And you will be being hated by all because of My name. But the one having endured to the end^[g], this one will be saved. ²³ But whenever they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For truly I say to you— you will by no means finish the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes^[h].

Proclaim The Truth Boldly; Do Not Fear Them. God Will Watch Over You

²⁴ “A disciple^[i] is not above the teacher, nor is a slave above his master. ²⁵ It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, and the slave like his master. If they called the Household-Master^[j] Beelzebul^[k], how much more His household-members!