10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: 11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. 12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. 13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony. 14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: 15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. 16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. 17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake. 18 But there shall not an hair of your head perish. 19 In your patience possess ye your souls. (Luke 21:10-19 KJV)
Jesus Foretells Wars and Persecution
As part of the signs of the end times, the disciples were also to expect persecution. Before any of these judgments came, believers would be arrested and punished. This would be a sign of the city’s coming judgment.
“They will lay hands on you,” Jesus said. “Judgment begins with the house of God.” This persecution would serve as a warning to others, if they had sense to take it. “If this is done to the green tree, what will be done to the dry?” (1 Peter 4:17-18).
He explained the severity of their sufferings (Matthew 10:1): they would be delivered to synagogues, imprisoned, and brought before kings and rulers. Even close family—parents, siblings, and friends—would betray them (Luke 21:16). Some would be put to death. They would be hated by all people because of Christ’s name. This hatred, worse than death, was fulfilled when the apostles became public spectacles, treated as scum of the earth (1 Corinthians 4:9,13). The world hated Christ, so it hated his followers. Yet he encouraged them to endure faithfully.
“This will turn out to be a testimony for you” (Luke 21:13). Being publicly persecuted would draw attention to their teaching. Appearing before rulers would give them a platform to preach. Their courage under fire would prove their sincerity and the presence of divine power and glory resting on them.
“Don’t worry about how to defend yourselves,” he said (Luke 21:14-15). “I will give you words and wisdom.” Trust not your own skill or planning, but the grace I will give you at the moment. This shows Christ is divine—only God gives wisdom. He won’t send angels to speak for them but will fill them with wisdom and words that their enemies cannot refute (Acts 4–6).
“You’ll suffer no real loss” (Luke 21:18). “Not a hair of your head will perish.” Some may lose their lives, yet not a hair will perish—it’s a saying that means complete protection. It may mean that all Christians were spared when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem, or it may refer to the ultimate safety of their souls and resurrection bodies. Even if we lose our lives for Christ, it is not wasted—it is sown for glory.
“In your patience, possess your souls” (Luke 21:19). That is, stay calm and steady in faith. Keep control of yourselves. Don’t let fear or grief rule over you. When we can’t hold on to anything else, hold on to our souls. Let patience guard your heart and keep it peaceful, especially in times of trial.