Signs and Persecutions

7 So they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that these things are about to take place?” 8 He said, “Make sure you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Do not go after them. 9 When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not immediately follow.”

10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great [fn]earthquakes in various places, along with [fn]famines and plagues. There will also be terrifying sights and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all these things take place, they will arrest you and persecute you. They will deliver you up to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. 13 This will lead to opportunities for you to bear witness. 14 Therefore settle it in your hearts not to prepare your defense in advance. 15 For I will give you a mouth to speak and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to [fn]refute or resist. 16 You will even be betrayed by parents, [fn]relatives, friends, and brothers, and they will have some of you put to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name. 18 Yet not a hair of your head will by any means perish. 19 You [fn]must gain your lives by your patient endurance.