1. As thousands of people crowded around Jesus and were stepping on each other, he told his disciples:Be sure to guard against the dishonest teaching of the Pharisees! It is their way of fooling people.
2. Everything that is hidden will be found out, and every secret will be known.
3. Whatever you say in the dark will be heard when it is day. Whatever you whisper in a closed room will be shouted from the housetops.
4. My friends, don't be afraid of people. They can kill you, but after that, there is nothing else they can do.
5. God is the one you must fear. Not only can he take your life, but he can throw you into hell. God is certainly the one you should fear!
6. Five sparrows are sold for just two pennies, but God doesn't forget a single one of them.
7. Even the hairs on your head are counted. So don't be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows.
8. If you tell others that you belong to me, the Son of Man will tell God's angels that you are my followers.
9. But if you reject me, you will be rejected in front of them.
10. If you speak against the Son of Man, you can be forgiven, but if you speak against the Holy Spirit, you cannot be forgiven.
11. When you are brought to trial in the Jewish meeting places or before rulers or officials, don't worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say.
12. At that time the Holy Spirit will tell you what to say.