Fear God, Not People

12:1 Meanwhile,1 when many thousands of the crowd had gathered so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus2 began to speak first to his disciples, “Be on your guard against3 the yeast of the Pharisees,4 which is hypocrisy.5 12:2 Nothing is hidden6 that will not be revealed,7 and nothing is secret that will not be made known. 12:3 So then8 whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered9 in private rooms10 will be proclaimed from the housetops.11

12:4 “I12 tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body,13 and after that have nothing more they can do. 12:5 But I will warn14 you whom you should fear: Fear the one who, after the killing,15 has authority to throw you16 into hell.17 Yes, I tell you, fear him! 12:6 Aren’t five sparrows sold for two pennies?18 Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. 12:7 In fact, even the hairs on your head are all numbered. Do not be afraid;19 you are more valuable than many sparrows.

12:8 “I20 tell you, whoever acknowledges21 me before men,22 the Son of Man will also acknowledge23 before God’s angels. 12:9 But the one who denies me before men will be denied before God’s angels. 12:10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the person who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit24 will not be forgiven.25 12:11 But when they bring you before the synagogues,26 the27 rulers, and the authorities, do not worry about how you should make your defense28 or what you should say, 12:12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment29 what you must say.”30