It's easy to read "before all these" as simply meaning "before the end times," but Jesus is actually highlighting that persecution is not a distant sign, but a present reality and the most significant test for his followers. This intense, personal suffering is presented as weighing more heavily than even the large-scale disasters he just described.
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. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just described signs of coming judgment, like wars and natural disasters. He immediately shifts to speak directly to his followers, explaining that even before these larger events unfold, they will face intense persecution. This suffering will include being handed over to religious authorities, imprisoned, and brought before powerful rulers, all because of their allegiance to him.
Jesus tells his followers about intense persecution, but it's not the final event. What does this specific timing tell us?
Jesus is describing future hardships for his disciples, including arrest and public trials. The phrase 'before all these' (or 'before all these things') is key here. While it might seem like a purely chronological marker – meaning these persecutions would happen before the widespread wars and natural disasters he mentioned earlier – some scholars suggest a deeper meaning.
This 'before' could also emphasize the importance or weight of these personal trials. They are significant signs, not to cause panic or despair, but to prepare the disciples for the long road ahead. Even these intense personal sufferings are not the ultimate end. They are a precursor, a part of the journey, but not the final destination.
Think of it this way: a tough exam might feel like the end of the world, but it comes before graduation. The persecution Jesus describes is like that exam for his followers – difficult, significant, but it precedes the ultimate fulfillment.
You'll be dragged before powerful people for 'my name's sake.' What's so powerful about a name?
The verse culminates in a stark image: disciples brought 'before kings and governors for my name's sake.' This isn't just about facing legal trouble; it's about facing earthly powers because of who Jesus is.
The phrase 'for my name's sake' is crucial. It means the reason for the persecution, the core of the accusation, is tied directly to Jesus Christ himself—his identity, his claims, his authority.
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When the disciples are brought before these rulers, it's not just a personal inconvenience. It's a confrontation between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world. The disciples, by standing firm, are implicitly testifying to Jesus' ultimate authority, an authority that surpasses that of any king or governor. Their suffering becomes a proclamation, a witness, to the power and significance of Jesus' 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.
sophia · Greek Noun
The practical application of spiritual truth to life; it is the divine gift of discernment, insight, and speech that allows the believer to act according to God's will.
antikeimenos · Greek Noun
An opponent, someone who stands in opposition or hostility; used in the NT to refer to those who resist the truth of the Gospel or those who oppose the believer.
This prophecy from Jesus wasn't just about distant future events but also about the immediate, intense struggles faced by the very first followers of Christ. Their arrests, trials, and imprisonment were direct consequences of proclaiming Jesus' name in a world hostile to it.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus teaches and predicts future events, including the persecution his followers will face.
c. AD 33-37— this verse
Early Church Persecution
Following Jesus' ascension, the apostles and early believers face initial persecution from Jewish authorities in synagogues and cities.
c. AD 40s-50s
Roman Empire Expansion and Jewish Unrest
The Roman Empire's influence grows, leading to increased political tensions and sporadic outbreaks of unrest within Judea and among Jewish communities abroad.
c. AD 50s-60s
Apostolic Writings and Missionary Journeys
Apostles like Paul travel widely, establishing churches and facing trials before Roman governors and Jewish leaders, as documented in the Book of Acts.
c. AD 66-70
First Jewish-Roman War
The Jewish revolt against Roman rule escalates, leading to widespread conflict and ultimately the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple.
This passage shows the apostles being beaten and commanded not to speak in Jesus' name, mirroring the persecution and opposition disciples faced even in their early days for their faith.
Acts 17:5-9Here, Paul and Silas were accused, dragged before city officials, and accused of treason, directly illustrating the experience of being brought before rulers for proclaiming Christ.
2 Timothy 3:11-12Paul reminds Timothy that all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, confirming that suffering and opposition are a guaranteed part of the Christian journey, not an anomaly.
1 Peter 4:12-13Peter addresses believers who were suffering, reminding them not to be surprised by the fiery trial, but to rejoice as they share in the sufferings of Christ.
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…
It's easy to read "before all these" as simply meaning "before the end times," but Jesus is actually highlighting that persecution is not a distant sign, but a present reality and the most significant test for his followers. This intense, personal suffering is presented as weighing more heavily than even the large-scale disasters he just described.
Jesus has just described signs of coming judgment, like wars and natural disasters. He immediately shifts to speak directly to his followers, explaining that even before these larger events unfold, they will face intense persecution. This suffering will include being handed over to religious authorities, imprisoned, and brought before powerful rulers, all because of their allegiance to him.
Jesus has just described signs of coming judgment, like wars and natural disasters. He immediately shifts to speak directly to his followers, explaining that even before these larger events unfold, they will face intense persecution. This suffering will include being handed over to religious authorities, imprisoned, and brought before powerful rulers, all because of their allegiance to him.
"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.…" — It's easy to read "before all these" as simply meaning "before the end times," but Jesus is actually highlighting that persecution is not a distant sign, but a present reality and the most significan…
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Last reviewed October 2026
