16 Behold, I am sending you out like sheep in the midst of wolves; be 1 wary and wise as serpents, and be innocent (harmless, guileless, and 2 without falsity) as doves. 17 Be on guard against men [whose 3 way or nature is to act in opposition to God]; for they will deliver you up to councils and flog you in their synagogues, 18 And you will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a witness to bear testimony before them and to the Gentiles (the nations). 19 But when they deliver you up, do not be anxious about how or what you are to speak; for what you are to say will be given you in that very hour and 4 moment, 20 For it is not you who are speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child; and children will take a stand against their parents and will have them put to death. 22 And you will be hated by all for My name's sake, but he who perseveres and endures to the end will be saved [ 5 from spiritual disease and death in the world to come]. 23 When they persecute you in one town [that is, pursue you in a manner that would injure you and cause you to suffer because of your belief], flee to another town; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before 6 the Son of Man comes.
24 A disciple is not above his teacher, nor is a servant or slave above his master. 25 It is sufficient for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant or slave like his master. If they have called the Master of the house Beelzebub [ 7 master of the dwelling], how much more will they speak evil of those of His household. [II Kings 1:2.]