Luke 21:16
You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death.
You will be betrayed
The Greek word for "betrayed" is "παραδοθήσεσθε" (paradothēsesthe), which conveys the idea of being handed over or delivered up. This term is often used in the context of treachery or disloyalty. In the historical context of early Christianity, betrayal was a real threat as followers of Christ faced persecution. This phrase serves as a sobering reminder of the cost of discipleship and the potential for suffering in the name of faith. It calls believers to remain steadfast, even when facing the ultimate betrayal by those closest to them.

even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends
This phrase emphasizes the depth of the betrayal, highlighting that it can come from the most intimate and trusted relationships. The Greek words used here, such as "γονεῖς" (goneis) for "parents" and "ἀδελφοί" (adelphoi) for "brothers," underscore the familial bonds that are expected to be sources of support and love. Historically, this reflects the division that the message of Christ could cause within families, as some members accepted the gospel while others rejected it. This division is a fulfillment of Jesus' earlier teachings about the cost of following Him, where allegiance to Christ may supersede even family ties.

and they will put some of you to death
The phrase "put some of you to death" is a stark and literal warning of the potential consequences of following Christ. The Greek word "θανατώσουσιν" (thanatōsousin) means "to kill" or "to put to death." This reflects the historical reality faced by many early Christians who were martyred for their faith. It serves as a powerful testament to the seriousness of the call to discipleship and the ultimate sacrifice that may be required. This phrase also offers inspiration, as it points to the eternal perspective that believers are called to maintain, trusting in the promise of eternal life beyond physical death.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this prophecy, Jesus is preparing His disciples for the trials they will face as His followers.

2. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' prophecy, representing all believers who will face persecution for their faith.

3. Family Members
Includes parents, brothers, and relatives, highlighting the personal and intimate nature of the betrayal.

4. Friends
Those who are close and trusted, yet capable of betrayal in times of persecution.

5. Persecution
The event of being betrayed and put to death, a reality faced by early Christians and many believers throughout history.
Teaching Points
The Cost of Discipleship
Following Jesus may lead to personal loss, including strained or severed relationships with loved ones. Believers must be prepared for this reality.

Faithfulness in Persecution
Despite the threat of betrayal and death, Christians are called to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting in God's ultimate justice and reward.

Understanding Betrayal
Betrayal by those closest to us can be one of the most painful experiences. Jesus' forewarning helps believers to not be caught off guard and to find solace in His understanding and presence.

Eternal Perspective
The temporary suffering and persecution faced in this life are not worth comparing to the eternal glory that awaits believers. Keeping an eternal perspective helps in enduring trials.

Community Support
In times of persecution, the Christian community should provide support and encouragement to one another, fostering unity and strength in the body of Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the potential for betrayal by loved ones affect your commitment to following Christ?

2. In what ways can you prepare yourself spiritually and emotionally for potential persecution?

3. How can the examples of early Christian martyrs inspire and strengthen your faith today?

4. What practical steps can you take to support fellow believers who are facing persecution or betrayal?

5. How does maintaining an eternal perspective help you endure current trials and challenges in your life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 10:21-22
Jesus similarly warns of family betrayal and persecution, emphasizing the cost of discipleship.

John 15:18-21
Jesus explains that the world will hate His followers because it first hated Him, providing context for the persecution believers face.

Acts 7:54-60
The martyrdom of Stephen exemplifies the ultimate sacrifice some believers make, as foretold by Jesus.

2 Timothy 3:12
Paul affirms that all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will face persecution, echoing Jesus' warning.

Revelation 2:10
Encouragement to remain faithful even unto death, promising the crown of life to those who persevere.
Preliminaries of the Second AdventR.M. Edgar Luke 21:5-38
A Martyr's Beautiful ReplyLuke 21:7-28
A Scoffer SilencedLuke 21:7-28
Christ's Promise the Support of His Despised MinistersR. South, D. D.Luke 21:7-28
Encouragement from Christ's Promised AdventA. Farindon, D. D.Luke 21:7-28
Experience of an EarthquakeFrom "Bible Echoes,"Luke 21:7-28
Frequency of EarthquakesDr. Talmage.Luke 21:7-28
How to Use LifeNewman Smyth, D. D.Luke 21:7-28
Judaism OverthrownD. C. Hughes, M. A.Luke 21:7-28
Making for Ourselves SoulsNewman Smyth, D. D.Luke 21:7-28
On PatienceH. Blair, D. D.Luke 21:7-28
On PatienceT. Secker.Luke 21:7-28
PatienceDean Kitchin.Luke 21:7-28
Patience, the Precious Little HerbLuke 21:7-28
Patient Self-Possession in Times of TrialW. Binnie, D. D.Luke 21:7-28
Restoration of the JewsLuke 21:7-28
Second Sunday in AdventJ. A. Seiss, D. D.Luke 21:7-28
Self-WinningNewman Smyth, D. D.Luke 21:7-28
Signs of Nearing RedemptionT. Guthrie, D. D.Luke 21:7-28
Signs of the TimesPresident Davies, M. A.Luke 21:7-28
Terror Produced by a Meteoric ShowerLuke 21:7-28
The Desolation of Jerusalem Confirms Our Faith in God's PromisesLuke 21:7-28
The EndAmerican Sunday School WorldLuke 21:7-28
The Soul Won by PatienceDean Vaughan.Luke 21:7-28
The Testimony of LifeJ. B. Brown, B. A.Luke 21:7-28
Inevitable Trial and Unfailing ResourcesW. Clarkson Luke 21:14-19
People
Jesus, Disciples
Places
Jerusalem, Judea, Olivet
Topics
Betrayed, Brethren, Brothers, Cause, Death, Delivered, Fathers, Friends, Handed, Kindred, Kinsfolk, Kinsfolks, Kinsmen, Mothers, Parents, Relations, Relatives
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Luke 21:16

     5661   brothers
     5798   betrayal
     8841   unfaithfulness, to people

Luke 21:7-27

     1450   signs, kinds of

Luke 21:7-31

     9170   signs of times

Luke 21:12-17

     5040   murder
     9140   last days

Luke 21:12-19

     5819   cowardice
     7742   missionaries, support

Luke 21:16-17

     2565   Christ, second coming
     5565   suffering, of believers
     5731   parents
     8450   martyrdom
     8481   self-sacrifice

Luke 21:16-19

     5875   hatred

Library
June 3 Morning
Watch, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.--MATT. 25:13. Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

Sunday after Ascension Day
Text: First Peter 4, 7-11.[1] 7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore of sound mind, and be sober unto prayer: 8 above all things being fervent in your love among yourselves: for love covereth a multitude of sins: 9 using hospitality one to another without murmuring: 10 according as each hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God; 11 if any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God; if any man ministereth, ministering
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

When Shall These Things Be?
'And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. 21. Then let them which are in Judea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. 22. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may he fulfilled. 23. But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Nearness of the Kingdom
THE NEARNESS OF THE KINGDOM St Luke xxi. 31.--"Know that the Kingdom of God is near." Our Lord saith that the Kingdom of God is near us. Yea, the Kingdom of God is within us as St Paul saith "our salvation is nearer than when we believed." Now we should know in what manner the Kingdom of God is near us. Therefore let us pay diligent attention to the meaning of the words. If I were a king, and did not know it, I should not really be a king. But, if I were fully convinced that I was a king, and all
Johannes Eckhart—Meister Eckhart's Sermons

St. Luke xxi. 36
Watch ye, therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man. This might be a text for a history of the Christian Church, from its foundation to this hour, or to the latest hour of the world's existence. We might observe how it Lad fulfilled its Lord's command; with what steadiness it had gone forward on its course, with the constant hope of meeting Him once again in glory. We might see how it had escaped
Thomas Arnold—The Christian Life

Sermon for the Second Sunday in Advent
(From the Gospel for the day) How that God is very near to us, and how we must seek and find the Kingdom of God within us, without respect to time and place. [41] Luke xxi. 31.--"Know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand." OUR Lord says here that the kingdom of God is nigh to us. Yea, the kingdom of God is in us; and St. Paul says, that now is our salvation nearer to us than we believe. Now ye ought to know, first, how the kingdom of God is nigh at hand; secondly, when the kingdom of God is
Susannah Winkworth—The History and Life of the Reverend Doctor John Tauler

Evil Habits and Injurious Indulgences.
The Word of the Lord may not denominate in plain terms every particular sin and evil practise man may engage in; however there are general terms and principles of righteousness that prohibit and condemn every possible sinful act man may perform. The words card-parties, picnics, fairs, shows and theaters are not found in the writings of the apostles; however indulgence in these is "revelry," "living in pleasure," "rioting" and worldliness, of which the Scriptures say the participants do not love God
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

Remaining Books of the Old Testament.
1. The divine authority of the Pentateuch having been established, it is not necessary to dwell at length on the historical books which follow. The events which they record are a natural and necessary sequel to the establishment of the theocracy, as given in the five books of Moses. The Pentateuch is occupied mainly with the founding of the theocracy; the following historical books describe the settlement of the Israelitish nation under this theocracy in the promised land, and its practical operation
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Submission.
"In your patience possess ye your souls."--Luke 21:19 "Stille, mein Wille! dein Jesu hilft siegen." [40]Unbekanntes. [[41]Catherina Schlegel] transl., Jane Borthwick, 1855 Be still, my soul!--the Lord is on thy side; Bear patiently the cross of grief and pain; Leave to thy God to order and provide-- In every change He faithful will remain. Be still, my soul!--thy best, thy Heavenly Friend Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end. Be still, my soul!--thy God doth undertake To guide the future,
Jane Borthwick—Hymns from the Land of Luther

Epistle Lxiii. To Dominicus, Bishop of Carthage.
To Dominicus, Bishop of Carthage. Gregory to Dominicus, &c. We have already learnt what great pestilence has invaded the African parts; and, inasmuch as neither is Italy free from such affliction, doubled are the groans of our sorrows. But amid these evils and other innumerable calamities our heart, dearest brother, would fail from desperate distress, had not the Lord's voice fortified our weakness beforehand. For long ago to the faithful the trumpet of the Gospel lesson sounded, warning them that
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Of Meditating on the Future Life.
1. The design of God in afflicting his people. 1. To accustom us to despise the present life. Our infatuated love of it. Afflictions employed as the cure. 2. To lead us to aspire to heaven. 2. Excessive love of the present life prevents us from duly aspiring to the other. Hence the disadvantages of prosperity. Blindness of the human judgment. Our philosophizing on the vanity of life only of momentary influence. The necessity of the cross. 3. The present life an evidence of the divine favour to his
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Lessons from Olivet
Our last chapter was on the Transfiguration. The next will be on The Last Supper. Between these two events in our Saviour's life, how many interesting incidents took place! How many important sayings that fell from his gracious lips during this period are written for our instruction by the four evangelists! There is, for instance, the beautiful lesson about what it is on which the value of our gifts depend. He taught this lesson when he saw the rich casting their gifts into the treasury. Among them
Richard Newton—The Life of Jesus Christ for the Young

At Night, Jesus Abode on the Mount of Olives
And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives.--St. Luke xxi: 37. * * * * * NOTE BY THE ARTIST As we ascend towards sunset the slopes of Olivet, and pause to gaze on the scenes beneath, the panorama of the city presented to view is in its leading features essentially similar to that upon which the eyes of Jesus rested, when "at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called
Richard Newton—The Life of Jesus Christ for the Young

The Present Distress of Nations.
"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them with fear, and for looking after those things which are coming to pass on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken" (Luke 21:25, 26). As we have already remarked more than once, prophecy invariably has a double fulfillment at least, and so we believe it is with the one just quoted. Directly, it has reference
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

That the Ruler Relax not his Care for the Things that are Within in his Occupation among the Things that are Without, nor Neglect to Provide
The ruler should not relax his care for the things that are within in his occupation among the things that are without, nor neglect to provide for the things that are without in his solicitude for the things that are within; lest either, given up to the things that are without, he fall away from his inmost concerns, or, occupied only with the things that are within bestow not on his neighbours outside himself what he owes them. For it is often the case that some, as if forgetting that they have
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

July 18 Evening
She hath done what she could.--MARK 14:8. This poor widow hath cast in more than they all.--Whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.--If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. Let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.--If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

Two Forms of one Saying
'He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.' --Matt. xxiv. 13, R.V. 'In your patience possess ye your souls.'--Luke xxi. 19. These two sayings, different as they sound in our Version, are probably divergent representations of one original. The reasons for so supposing are manifold and obvious on a little consideration. In the first place, the two sayings occur in the Evangelists' reports of the same prophecy and at the same point therein. In the second place, the verbal resemblance is
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Great Assize
[i.e., The Last Judgment -- GL] [21] "We shall all stand before the judgement-seat of Christ." Rom. 14:10. 1. How many circumstances concur to raise the awfulness of the present solemnity! -- The general concourse of people of every age, sex, rank, and condition of life, willingly or unwillingly gathered together, not only from the neighboring, but from distant, parts; criminals, speedily to be brought forth and having no way to escape; officers, waiting in their various posts, to execute the orders
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Observing the Offerings and Widow's Mites.
(in the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) ^B Mark XII. 41-44; ^C Luke XXI. 1-4. ^b 41 And he sat down over against the treasury [It is said that in the court of the women there were cloisters or porticos, and under the shelter of these were placed thirteen chests with trumpet-shaped mouths into which offerings might be dropped. The money cast in was for the benefit of the Temple. An inscription on each chest showed to which one of the thirteen special items of cost or expenditure the contents would
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Epistle to the Colossians.
The Churches in Phrygia. The cities of Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis are mentioned together as seats of Christian churches in the closing chapter of Colossians, and the Epistle may be considered as being addressed to all, for the apostle directs that it be read also in the churches of the Laodiceans (Col. 4:13-16). They were situated within a few miles of each other in the valley of the Lycus (a tributary of the Maeander) in Phrygia on the borders of Lydia, and belonged, under the Roman rule,
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

The Four Gospels.
General Character and Aim of the Gospels. Christianity is a cheerful religion and brings joy and peace from heaven to earth. The New Testament opens with the gospel, that is with the authentic record of the history of all histories, the glad tidings of salvation through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. [871] The four canonical Gospels are only variations of the same theme, a fourfold representation of one and the same gospel, animated by the same spirit. [872] They are not full
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

Elucidations.
I. (Unless patience sit by his side, cap. i. p. 707.) Let me quote words which, many years ago, struck me forcibly, and which I trust, have been blest to my soul; for which reason, I must be allowed, here, to thank their author, the learned and fearless Dean Burgon, of Chichester. In his invaluable Commentary on the Gospel, which while it abounds in the fruits of a varied erudition, aims only to be practically useful, this pious scholar remarks: "To Faith must be added Patience, the patient waiting
Tertullian—Of Patience

Look we Then, Beloved, what Hardships in Labors and Sorrows Men Endure...
3. Look we then, beloved, what hardships in labors and sorrows men endure, for things which they viciously love, and by how much they think to be made by them more happy, by so much more unhappily covet. How much for false riches, how much for vain honors, how much for affections of games and shows, is of exceeding peril and trouble most patiently borne! We see men hankering after money, glory, lasciviousness, how, that they may arrive at their desires, and having gotten not lose them, they endure
St. Augustine—On Patience

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