The phrase "before all these" doesn't just mean chronologically earlier than future disasters. It signifies that persecution for Jesus' name is more weighty and important than all the other signs Jesus has mentioned; it's the chief sign you should be looking for, something to be weighed heavily in your heart.
But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just spoken about the destruction of the temple and the signs that will accompany it, but he pivots to personal trials for his followers. He emphasizes that before these larger catastrophic events, his disciples will face intense persecution, being arrested and brought before religious and civil authorities for their faith. This suffering, though difficult, is presented as a defining characteristic of their discipleship, not a sign that the end is imminent.
Jesus tells his disciples that suffering is coming, but not in the way they might expect. What does 'before all these' really mean in this context?
Jesus is giving his disciples a crucial piece of insight into the coming days. While they've been asking about the signs of the end times, including cosmic events and widespread destruction, Jesus highlights a more immediate and personal sign: persecution.
A Shift in Focus
The phrase 'before all these' can be understood in a couple of ways. It might mean 'before the larger catastrophic events,' like wars and famines, actually occur. But it also carries a sense of priority or importance. Jesus is saying, 'Before you get caught up in the grand, sweeping signs of judgment, know that this – personal persecution – is what you will directly experience first.'
This isn't to diminish the larger events, but to emphasize that the disciples' own lives would be marked by intense opposition. It’s a heads-up that their faith journey would involve tangible, difficult trials, directly linked to their commitment to Jesus.
Where will the disciples face this opposition? Jesus points to specific places and powerful figures, showing the far-reaching impact of their faith.
Jesus doesn't just say persecution is coming; he paints a vivid picture of where and how it will unfold.
From Local to Global
He mentions two key arenas:
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All of this is 'for my name's sake' – a reminder that this suffering is directly tied to their identity in Christ and their proclamation of his name.
Understand the original words
diōkō · Greek Verb
To pursue with hostile intent, harass, or mistreat because of religious conviction; in the NT, it is the expected experience of those who faithfully follow Christ.
onoma · Greek Noun
The name of a person in biblical thought represents their entire nature, character, authority, and presence; to act 'for his name's sake' is to identify completely with his cause and lordship.
martyrion · Greek Noun
The act of giving testimony or providing evidence regarding the truth of the Gospel; it is the fundamental calling of the believer in the face of opposition.
This prophecy wasn't just about future calamities; it directly addressed the immediate, personal suffering the earliest followers of Jesus, like Saul (later Paul), would endure for their faith, even before larger societal disasters struck.
c. AD 33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
The pivotal events of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection lay the foundation for the teachings and prophecies concerning the disciples' future.
c. AD 33-36
Early Persecution of Christians in Jerusalem
Following Jesus' ascension, the early followers, including Stephen and Philip, faced immediate opposition and persecution from Jewish religious authorities in Jerusalem.
c. AD 35— this verse
Saul's Persecution and Conversion
Saul of Tarsus actively persecuted the early church, arresting believers and dragging them to synagogues. His dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus marked a turning point.
c. AD 40s-60s
Expansion and Further Persecutions Across Roman Empire
As Christianity spread, believers faced increasing persecution not only from Jewish leaders but also from Roman authorities in various cities and provinces.
c. AD 62-67
Apostolic Ministry and Writings
Apostles like Paul and Peter, who experienced and preached about persecution, wrote letters to churches facing trials, often referencing these very prophecies.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The catastrophic fall of Jerusalem to the Roman army fulfilled Jesus' prophecies about the temple's destruction, a major sign for his followers.
This passage shows the disciples Peter and John being arrested and brought before authorities for speaking in Jesus' name, directly fulfilling Jesus' prediction of being brought before rulers.
Acts 16:22-24Here, Paul and Silas are beaten and thrown into prison without a trial, illustrating the 'prisons' and persecution Jesus foretold for his followers.
Matthew 10:17-18Jesus explicitly warns his disciples about being handed over to councils and scourged in synagogues, echoing the specific details mentioned in Luke 21:12.
2 Timothy 3:11-12This verse speaks generally about the persecution believers will face for Christ's sake, confirming that suffering and opposition are expected for those who follow Jesus.
clarkeLuke 21:12: "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."
Synagogues - Or, assemblies, etc. See these all explained on Mark 13:9 (note).
pulpitLuke 21:12: "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."
Verse 12. - But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you. The Master continues his prophetic picture. From speaking generally of wars, and disasters, and tumults, and awful natural phenomena, which would mark the sad age in which his hearers were living, he proceede…
The phrase "before all these" doesn't just mean chronologically earlier than future disasters. It signifies that persecution for Jesus' name is more weighty and important than all the other signs Jesus has mentioned; it's the chief sign you should be looking for, something to be weighed heavily in your heart.
Jesus has just spoken about the destruction of the temple and the signs that will accompany it, but he pivots to personal trials for his followers. He emphasizes that before these larger catastrophic events, his disciples will face intense persecution, being arrested and brought before religious and civil authorities for their faith. This suffering, though difficult, is presented as a defining characteristic of their discipleship, not a sign that the end is imminent.
Jesus has just spoken about the destruction of the temple and the signs that will accompany it, but he pivots to personal trials for his followers. He emphasizes that before these larger catastrophic events, his disciples will face intense persecution, being arrested and brought before religious and civil authorities for their faith. This suffering, though difficult, is presented as a defining characteristic of their discipleship, not a sign that the end is imminent.
"But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness." — The phrase "before all these" doesn't just mean chronologically earlier than future disasters. It signifies that persecution for Jesus' name is more weighty and important than all the other signs Jes…
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Last reviewed October 2026
