1
"I've told you these things to prepare you for rough times ahead.
2
They are going to throw you out of the meeting places. There will even come a time when anyone who kills you will think he's doing God a favor.
3
They will do these things because they never really understood the Father.
4
I've told you these things so that when the time comes and they start in on you, you'll be well-warned and ready for them.
5
But now I am on my way to the One who sent me. Not one of you has asked, 'Where are you going?'
6
Instead, the longer I've talked, the sadder you've become.
7
So let me say it again, this truth: It's better for you that I leave. If I don't leave, the Friend won't come. But if I go, I'll send him to you.
8
"When he comes, he'll expose the error of the godless world's view of sin, righteousness, and judgment:
9
He'll show them that their refusal to believe in me is their basic sin;
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
(The Message Bible Online)
