6
for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many.
7
And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.
8
Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in many parts of the world, as well as famines. But this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.
9
“When these things begin to happen, watch out! You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me.
10
For the Good News must first be preached to all nations.
11
But when you are arrested and stand trial, don’t worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
12
“A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed.
13
And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
14
“The day is coming when you will see the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing where he should not be.” (Reader, pay attention!) “Then those in Judea must flee to the hills.