Definition: But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute [you], delivering [you] up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 21:12. It's a pretty intense passage about the future and potential danger facing believers. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about a period before the end of time (which Christians believe is near), where people will actively try to stop and harm believers. It's a warning about a challenging and potentially deadly situation. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “But before all these…” – This sets up a sequence, like a countdown. It’s not happening right now , but it’s coming soon. “…they shall lay their hands on you…” - This is the key phrase. "They" refers to those who are actively trying to harm believers. “Lay their hands on” means to attack, persecute, or try to stop someone. It suggests a deliberate and persistent effort. "...and delivering [you] up to the synagogues, and into prisons…” – This describes how they’ll do it. They're going to target believers by bringing them before religious authorities - specifically, the Jewish people in the first century AD. They will take people to synagogues (places of worship) and then put them in prison. "...being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake.” – This is where it gets really serious. The authors believe that these persecutors are trying to destroy Jesus Christ. They're doing this because they want to bring the attention of powerful people (kings, rulers) to Jesus. They are essentially trying to discredit or silence him. What’s the big takeaway? This verse is a warning about the potential for persecution and danger facing believers in the future. It suggests that the forces working against Christians will be relentless and determined to cause harm. It emphasizes the importance of being prepared, steadfast, and trusting in God's protection. Important Note: This is a passage often interpreted as a prophecy about the end times, particularly regarding the rise of religious extremism and persecution. It’s important to remember that biblical prophecies are open to interpretation, but this verse highlights a significant challenge for Christians. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss what this verse might be interpreted as referring to in the context of our current times?