Study Desk

He^(a) looked up and saw the rich dropping their offerings into the temple treasury.^(b)

He also saw a poor widow dropping in two tiny coins.^[a](c)

"I tell you the truth," He said. "This poor widow has put in more than all of them. ^(d)

For all these people have put in gifts out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on."

As^(e) some were talking about the temple complex, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God,^[b] He said,

"These things that you see—the days will come^(f) when not one stone will be left on another that will not be thrown down!" ^(g)

"Teacher," they asked Him, "so when will these things be? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?"^(h)

Then He said, "Watch out that you are not deceived.⁽ⁱ⁾ For many will come in My name,^(j) saying, ‘I am He,'^(k) and, ‘The time is near.' Don't follow them. ^(l)

When you hear of wars and rebellions,^[c] don't be alarmed. Indeed, these things must take place first, but the end won't come right away."

Then He told them: "Nation will be raised up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. ^(m)

There will be violent earthquakes,⁽ⁿ⁾ and famines and plagues^(o) in various places, and there will be terrifying sights and great signs from heaven. ^(p)

But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you^(q) and persecute^(r) you. They will hand you over to the synagogues^(s) and prisons,^(t) and you will be brought before kings and governors^(u) because of My name.

It will lead to an opportunity for you to witness. ^[d](v)

Therefore make up your minds^[e] not to prepare your defense ahead of time, ^(w)

for I will give you such words ^[f](x) and a wisdom^(y) that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. ^(z)

You will even be betrayed by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends.^(aa) They will kill some of you.

You will be hated by everyone because of My name, ^(ab)

but not a hair of your head will be lost. ^(ac)

By your endurance gain^[g] your lives. ^(ad)