⁷“Teacher,” they asked, “when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to take place?” ⁸He replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’#21:8 Greek claiming, ‘I am.’ and saying, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t believe them. ⁹And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately.” ¹⁰Then he added, “Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. ¹¹There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven. ¹² “But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers. ¹³But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me.#21:13 Or This will be your testimony against them. ¹⁴So don’t worry in advance about how to answer the charges against you, ¹⁵for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you! ¹⁶Even those closest to you—your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends—will betray you. They will even kill some of you. ¹⁷And everyone will hate you because you are my followers.#21:17 Greek on account of my name. ¹⁸But not a hair of your head will perish! ¹⁹By standing firm, you will win your souls.