When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, “As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.” They asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?” And he said, “Beware that you are not led astray, for many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is near!’ Do not go after them. When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified, for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.” Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues, and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. “But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defence in advance, for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls.”
Deeper Dive
Before the cosmic upheavals, Jesus promises that his followers will face persecution, even from those closest to them — parents, siblings, and friends. This theme is central to Luke’s Gospel and Acts: discipleship means witness through suffering. Luke’s audience, likely facing Roman hostility, would recognize this scenario (see Acts 4–5; 7; 12; 16). Jesus assures his followers of divine assistance. The Holy Spirit will give them the words and wisdom they need. “You will be hated by all because of my name” (v.17): the hostility of the world toward Christ’s followers reflects the tension between God’s kingdom and earthly powers. Thus, persecution becomes not a defeat but a platform — an occasion for martyria, faithful witness. This passage challenges modern believers to live with spiritual vigilance and courage: The “temples” we build — success, institutions, comfort — can crumble. Our security rests in God alone. False voices and fear can easily sway us; Jesus’ command remains: “Do not be led astray.” In times of societal or personal upheaval, the call is not panic but faithful endurance, trusting that God’s purposes persist even through turmoil. Luke 21:5–19 is ultimately about hopeful resilience — the faith that holds steady when the world feels like it’s falling apart.
When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, “As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.” They asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?” And he said, “Beware that you are not led astray, for many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is near!’ Do not go after them. When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified, for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.” Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues, and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. “But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defence in advance, for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls.”
Deeper Dive
Before the cosmic upheavals, Jesus promises that his followers will face persecution, even from those closest to them — parents, siblings, and friends. This theme is central to Luke’s Gospel and Acts: discipleship means witness through suffering. Luke’s audience, likely facing Roman hostility, would recognize this scenario (see Acts 4–5; 7; 12; 16). Jesus assures his followers of divine assistance. The Holy Spirit will give them the words and wisdom they need. “You will be hated by all because of my name” (v.17): the hostility of the world toward Christ’s followers reflects the tension between God’s kingdom and earthly powers. Thus, persecution becomes not a defeat but a platform — an occasion for martyria, faithful witness. This passage challenges modern believers to live with spiritual vigilance and courage: The “temples” we build — success, institutions, comfort — can crumble. Our security rests in God alone. False voices and fear can easily sway us; Jesus’ command remains: “Do not be led astray.” In times of societal or personal upheaval, the call is not panic but faithful endurance, trusting that God’s purposes persist even through turmoil. Luke 21:5–19 is ultimately about hopeful resilience — the faith that holds steady when the world feels like it’s falling apart.
