And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say—Jesus shifts from warning about blasphemy to encouraging trust during persecution. The phrase when they bring you (ὅταν εἰσφέρωσιν ὑμᾶς) assumes persecution is inevitable, not hypothetical. Disciples will face trials before synagogues (religious courts), magistrates (ἀρχάς, civil authorities), and powers (ἐξουσίας, governing powers)—a comprehensive list covering religious and political opposition.
The command take ye no thought (μὴ μεριμνήσητε) uses the same verb Jesus employed regarding anxiety about food and clothing (Luke 12:22)—don't be anxious, don't obsess over preparation. This doesn't prohibit reasonable forethought but forbids paralyzing worry about self-defense. The specific concern is how or what thing ye shall answer—disciples shouldn't script elaborate apologetics or rehearse speeches. God will provide words in the moment of need.
Historical Context
Early Christians experienced exactly this scenario. Acts records believers brought before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:5-22, 5:27-42), local synagogue authorities (Acts 13:50, 14:19), Roman magistrates (Acts 16:19-24, 18:12-17), and provincial governors (Acts 23:24-26:32). Stephen, Peter, John, and Paul all faced trials without prepared defenses, yet spoke with wisdom their opponents couldn't refute (Acts 6:10, 4:13). Jesus' own trial exemplified this—He answered interrogators with divinely given wisdom, often through silence (Matthew 27:11-14). The early church remembered this promise, encouraging martyrs to trust the Spirit's provision rather than human eloquence. Martyrologies record believers speaking with supernatural boldness and clarity under extreme duress.
Questions for Reflection
How does Jesus distinguish between godly preparation and anxious worry about defending one's faith?
What does this promise teach about the Spirit's active involvement in believers' witness under pressure?
In what situations today might Christians need to trust the Spirit's provision rather than relying solely on prepared arguments?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say—Jesus shifts from warning about blasphemy to encouraging trust during persecution. The phrase when they bring you (ὅταν εἰσφέρωσιν ὑμᾶς) assumes persecution is inevitable, not hypothetical. Disciples will face trials before synagogues (religious courts), magistrates (ἀρχάς, civil authorities), and powers (ἐξουσίας, governing powers)—a comprehensive list covering religious and political opposition.
The command take ye no thought (μὴ μεριμνήσητε) uses the same verb Jesus employed regarding anxiety about food and clothing (Luke 12:22)—don't be anxious, don't obsess over preparation. This doesn't prohibit reasonable forethought but forbids paralyzing worry about self-defense. The specific concern is how or what thing ye shall answer—disciples shouldn't script elaborate apologetics or rehearse speeches. God will provide words in the moment of need.