The Message Bible MSG
New International Version NIV
15 You can be sure that on Judgment Day they'll be mighty sorry - but it's no concern of yours now.
15
Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.
16 "Stay alert. This is hazardous work I'm assigning you. You're going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don't call attention to yourselves. Be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove.
16
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
17 "Don't be naive. Some people will impugn your motives, others will smear your reputation - just because you believe in me.
17
Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues.
18 Don't be upset when they haul you before the civil authorities. Without knowing it, they've done you - and me - a favor, given you a platform for preaching the kingdom news!
18
On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.
19 And don't worry about what you'll say or how you'll say it. The right words will be there;
19
But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say,
20 the Spirit of your Father will supply the words.
20
for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
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.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.