Temple Destruction and Other Signs
5 As some of the disciples were remarking how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and consecrated gifts, Jesus said,
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“As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
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“Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”
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Jesus answered, “See to it that you are not deceived. For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.
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When you hear of wars and rebellions, do not be alarmed. These things must happen first, but the end is not imminent.”
Witnessing to All Nations
10 Then He told them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
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There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, along with fearful sights and great signs from heaven.
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But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. On account of My name they will deliver you to the synagogues and prisons, and they will bring you before kings and governors.
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This will be your opportunity to serve as witnesses.
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So make up your mind not to worry beforehand how to defend yourselves.
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For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.
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You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death.
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And you will be hated by everyone because of My name.
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Yet not even a hair of your head will perish.
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By your patient endurance you will gain your souls.
The Destruction of Jerusalem
20 But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near.
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Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city.
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For these are the days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written.
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How miserable those days will be for pregnant and nursing mothers! For there will be great distress upon the land and wrath against this people.
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They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive into all the nations. And Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.