Luke 21:12

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} before {G4253} all {G537} these {G5130}, they shall lay {G1911} their {G846} hands {G5495} on {G1909} you {G5209}, and {G2532} persecute {G1377} you, delivering {G3860} you up {G1519} to the synagogues {G4864}, and {G2532} into prisons {G5438}, being brought {G71} before {G1909} kings {G935} and {G2532} rulers {G2232} for {G1752} my {G3450} name's {G3686} sake {G1752}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But before all this, they will arrest you and persecute you, handing you over to the synagogues and prisons; and you will be brought before kings and governors. This will all be on account of me,

Berean Standard Bible

But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. On account of My name they will deliver you to the synagogues and prisons, and they will bring you before kings and governors.

American Standard Version

But before all these things, they shall lay their hands on you, and shall persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for my name’s sake.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 21:12 serves as a stark prophetic warning from Jesus to His disciples, delivered within the broader Olivet Discourse. It foretells the severe and multifaceted persecution they would endure—ranging from physical assault and imprisonment to formal trials before religious and civil authorities—all specifically "for my name's sake." This verse underscores the cost of discipleship while simultaneously setting the stage for the powerful witness that would emerge from such trials.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within [Luke 21:5-36](/luke/21-5-36 "Luke 21:5-36 - The Olivet Discourse"), a significant prophetic discourse delivered by Jesus on the Mount of Olives. Following His lament over Jerusalem and the Temple's impending destruction ([Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41-44 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")), Jesus responds to His disciples' questions about the timing of these events and the signs of His coming. While the broader passage addresses cosmic signs, wars, and famines preceding the end times, [Luke 21:12-19](/luke/21-12-19 "Luke 21:12-19 - Persecution and Perseverance") specifically zeroes in on the personal suffering and persecution His followers would face *before* these grander eschatological events. It acts as a crucial bridge, shifting from global calamities to the immediate, personal trials of discipleship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' words reflect the socio-religious landscape of first-century Judea and the Roman Empire. Synagogues were not merely places of worship but also served as community centers and local courts where religious disputes and disciplinary actions were handled. Being "delivered up to the synagogues" implied excommunication, public shaming, and even physical punishment like flogging ([Matthew 10:17](/matthew/10-17 "Matthew 10:17 - Persecution in Synagogues")). Imprisonment was a common punitive measure, and being brought before "kings and rulers" meant facing the highest echelons of Roman and local governmental authority, such as governors (e.g., Pilate, Felix, Festus) or client kings (e.g., Herod Agrippa). This scenario was a real and present danger for those deviating from established religious or political norms, especially for followers of a new, counter-cultural movement like Christianity.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 21:12 contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **cost of discipleship**, emphasizing that following Jesus entails suffering and opposition ([Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **divine foreknowledge and sovereignty**, as Jesus accurately predicts events that would unfold in the early church, providing assurance that God is aware and in control even amidst chaos. Thirdly, and perhaps most profoundly, it introduces the theme of **persecution as an opportunity for witness**. While suffering is painful, Jesus immediately follows this warning in [Luke 21:13](/luke/21-13 "Luke 21:13 - An Opportunity for Witness") by stating that these trials would become a "testimony" (μαρτύριον), transforming adversity into a platform for proclaiming the Gospel to those in power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **But (Greek, _dé'_):** This conjunction (G1161) often serves as an adversative or continuative particle. Here, it functions adversatively, signaling a shift in focus from the grand, cosmic signs of the end times (mentioned in previous verses) to the immediate, personal trials that would precede them. It highlights a crucial distinction: "But *before* all these things..." emphasizing the priority and inevitability of the disciples' suffering.
* **Persecute (Greek, _diṓkō'_):** Derived from G1377, this verb means "to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute." It denotes a sustained, aggressive, and often hostile pursuit, not a one-time event. In the context of Luke 21:12, it describes the relentless and systematic opposition the disciples would face, indicating a deliberate effort to harass, oppress, and suppress their faith. This word captures the ongoing nature of the trials.
* **For my name's sake (Greek, _héneka_ G1752, _ónoma_ G3686, _moû_ G3450):** This phrase is profoundly significant. `Héneka` means "on account of" or "for the sake of," indicating the direct cause. `Ónoma` refers to "name" in the sense of authority, character, or reputation. `Moû` is the possessive pronoun "my." Combined, "for my name's sake" signifies that the root cause of the persecution is the disciples' identification with Jesus Christ Himself. It's not for political rebellion or criminal activity, but solely because they bear His name, represent His character, and proclaim His authority. This phrase elevates the suffering from mere misfortune to a divinely purposed experience directly tied to their allegiance to Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But before all these,"**: This introductory phrase sets a crucial temporal context. "All these" refers to the cosmic signs, wars, and famines Jesus has just described as preceding the end. Jesus emphasizes that the persecution of His followers will not be a distant event but will begin *before* the most dramatic eschatological signs unfold, indicating its immediacy and certainty for the early church.
* **"they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute [you],"**: This describes the initial, direct forms of opposition. "Lay their hands on you" (G1911 `epibállō`) implies physical apprehension, arrest, or even violence. "Persecute you" (G1377 `diṓkō`) broadens this to include relentless harassment, oppression, and systematic opposition, indicating a sustained campaign against believers. This encompasses various forms of suffering, from physical harm to social ostracism.
* **"delivering [you] up to the synagogues, and into prisons,"**: This details the specific institutions and locations of their persecution. "Synagogues" (G4864 `synagōgḗ`) were not only places of worship but also community courts where Jewish religious authorities could try, condemn, and punish those deemed heretical. "Prisons" (G5438 `phylakḗ`) signify physical incarceration, a common fate for those challenging established religious or political norms. These actions represent official, institutionalized opposition.
* **"being brought before kings and rulers"**: This highlights the escalation of the persecution to the highest levels of civil authority. "Kings" (G935 `basileús`) and "rulers" (G2232 `hēgemṓn`, governors) refer to Roman provincial authorities and local client kings. This means the disciples would face formal trials in public forums, often involving accusations of treason or disturbing the peace, putting them in direct confrontation with the most powerful figures of their day.
* **"for my name's sake."**: This concluding phrase provides the ultimate theological justification and meaning for all the preceding suffering. It explicitly states that the persecution is not random or accidental, but directly because of their allegiance to Jesus Christ. Their identity with Him, their proclamation of His authority, and their commitment to His teachings are the sole reasons for the hostility they will face. This transforms suffering into a badge of honor and a testament to their faith.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 21:12 employs several potent literary devices. **Prophecy** is central, as Jesus foretells specific future events with remarkable accuracy, validating His divine authority and knowledge. This prophecy also functions as **foreshadowing**, preparing the disciples for the trials that would characterize the early church's experience, as abundantly documented in the Book of Acts. The verse utilizes **parallelism** in its enumeration of escalating forms of persecution ("lay hands... persecute," "synagogues... prisons," "kings... rulers"), creating a sense of increasing intensity and comprehensive opposition. Furthermore, there is a profound **irony** at play: what is intended by persecutors as a means to silence the Gospel (arrests, trials, imprisonment) is precisely what Jesus declares will become an opportunity for powerful witness before the highest authorities ([Luke 21:13](/luke/21-13 "Luke 21:13 - Persecution as an Opportunity to Witness")). The phrase "for my name's sake" acts as a **motif**, recurring throughout the New Testament to define the unique nature of Christian suffering and its inherent connection to Christ's identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 21:12 profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian discipleship, revealing that suffering is not an anomaly but an anticipated reality for those who follow Christ. It underscores the inherent conflict between the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world, particularly when the latter reject Christ's authority. The theological implication is that persecution, far from being a sign of God's abandonment, is often a direct consequence of faithfulness, serving to purify believers and advance the Gospel message. This verse connects the suffering of the disciples directly to the identity of Jesus, establishing a pattern where allegiance to Christ inevitably provokes hostility from those who oppose Him. It also highlights God's sovereign foreknowledge, providing comfort and assurance that even in the midst of intense trials, God is aware, in control, and has a purpose.

* [Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Hated for Christ's Name")
* [John 15:20](/john/15-20 "John 15:20 - The World Will Hate You")
* [Acts 5:40-42](/acts/5-40-42 "Acts 5:40-42 - Apostles Rejoice in Suffering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 21:12 offers timeless wisdom for believers today. It serves as a sober reminder that genuine discipleship often involves opposition, not just from overt enemies of the faith, but sometimes from within religious systems or governmental powers. We are called to expect, rather than be surprised by, hostility when we faithfully live out the implications of Christ's Lordship. This verse encourages us to cultivate resilience and steadfastness, understanding that our suffering is not meaningless but has a divine purpose: to provide a powerful testimony to Christ. When faced with adversity, whether it be social ostracism, professional setbacks, or more severe forms of persecution, we are to remember that our identity in Christ is the ultimate reason, and our response should be one of faithful endurance, trusting that God will provide the words and strength needed in that moment. This passage challenges us to examine our own willingness to bear the cost of following Jesus and to see trials not as obstacles to be avoided at all costs, but as potential platforms for God's glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to compromise my faith to avoid potential "persecution" (social, professional, or otherwise) in my current context?**
* **How does understanding that Jesus predicted persecution for His followers strengthen or challenge my view of God's sovereignty and presence in suffering?**
* **If I were "brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake" today, what testimony would I give, and how prepared am I to articulate my faith under pressure?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jesus predict persecution for His followers, and how is it "for His name's sake"?**

Answer: Jesus predicts persecution not as a punishment, but as an inevitable consequence of His followers' allegiance to Him in a world that often opposes God's kingdom. It's "for His name's sake" because their identity, message, and way of life are directly tied to Jesus Christ. To reject them is to reject Him ([Luke 10:16](/luke/10-16 "Luke 10:16 - He Who Rejects You Rejects Me")). This persecution thus serves as a clear demarcation, highlighting the spiritual battle between light and darkness ([John 3:19-20](/john/3-19-20 "John 3:19-20 - Men Loved Darkness Rather Than Light")). It also purifies the church and provides a powerful witness, as suffering for Christ validates the sincerity of faith and often leads to opportunities to proclaim the Gospel to those who might otherwise never hear it ([Philippians 1:12-14](/philippians/1-12-14 "Philippians 1:12-14 - Paul's Imprisonment Advances the Gospel")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 21:12 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not only in the suffering of His disciples but primarily in the suffering of Christ Himself. Jesus, the Lord of glory, fully embraced the path of persecution, being "delivered up" ([Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - He Was Numbered with the Transgressors")) to the synagogues, then to the Roman authorities, and finally to the cross, all "for the sake of His name" and the salvation of humanity. His trial before Pilate and Herod ([Luke 23:1-25](/luke/23-1-25 "Luke 23:1-25 - Jesus Before Pilate and Herod")) is the quintessential example of being "brought before kings and rulers." By enduring this path of suffering, Jesus not only modeled faithful perseverance for His followers but also secured their ultimate victory. His resurrection from the grave ([Luke 24:1-12](/luke/24-1-12 "Luke 24:1-12 - The Resurrection")) transforms the meaning of persecution: while disciples may face temporary defeat in the eyes of the world, their suffering is now imbued with the power of Christ's triumph over sin and death. He is the first and greatest martyr, whose "name" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - The Exaltation of Christ")) is now above all names, ensuring that those who suffer for Him will ultimately share in His glory ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ Through Suffering")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Peter 4:12

¶ Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

1 Peter 4:14

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

Matthew 23:34

¶ Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and [some] of them ye shall kill and crucify; and [some] of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute [them] from city to city:

Matthew 23:36

Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.

Matthew 10:16

¶ Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Matthew 10:25

It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more [shall they call] them of his household?

Acts 7:57

Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,