Beware of people, because they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues.

“Then they will hand you over to be persecuted and will kill you. You will be hated by all the nations because of my name.

He said to them, “Follow me, and I will turn you into fishers of people.”

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Jesus answered them, “Watch out that no one misleads you.

But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I do not know you!’

But after I am raised, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

“I baptize you with water, for repentance, but the one coming after me is more powerful than I am – I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

But I say to you, love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you,

“Watch out for false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are voracious wolves.

Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you. Go away from me, you lawbreakers!’

“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.

But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has already overtaken you.

If this matter is heard before the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.”

“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things about you falsely on account of me.

For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Even the tax collectors do the same, don’t they?

Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

And if this is how God clothes the wild grass, which is here today and tomorrow is tossed into the fire to heat the oven, won’t he clothe you even more, you people of little faith?

“I am sending you out like sheep surrounded by wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

Whenever they hand you over for trial, do not worry about how to speak or what to say, for what you should say will be given to you at that time.