Persecutions Will Come

16 “Behold, I am sending you out like sheep in the midst of wolves, so be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves. 17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and flog you in their synagogues. 18 For my sake you will even be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19 When they hand you over, do not be anxious about how to speak or what to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise up against their parents and have them put to death. 22 You will be hated by all because of my name, but he who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in one town, flee to another, for truly I say to you, you will certainly not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor is a servant above his master. 25 It is sufficient for a disciple to be like his teacher and for a servant to be like his master. If they have [fn]called the master of the house [fn]Beelzebul, how much more will they malign the members of his household!