1. Don't worry about what to say (17-20)

Jesus looked ahead to the time after his death and resurrection. His disciples would be persecuted, first by the Jews and later by the Romans. When they were brought before councils and courts and kings, they were not to fear; they were to be witnesses to the gospel of Jesus. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would help them and tell them what to say.

2. He who stands firm to the end (21-23)

There would be another kind of persecution which would be harder to bear. Close family members, those they love, would hate them and persecute them because of their faith in Jesus. But Jesus tells them and us to stand firm on God's side to the end. He promises to come again before the evangelization of Israel is finished.

Application: Lord, I have no strength and I cannot trust myself. Please give me your Holy Spirit and teach me how to turn every difficult situation into an opportunity to witness to Jesus. Help me to stand firm to the end.
One Word: With God's help, stand firm