Discovery BoxLuke 21:12-15 
Context21:12 But before all this, 1 they will seize 2 you and persecute you, handing you over to the synagogues 3 and prisons. You 4 will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 21:13 This will be a time for you to serve as witnesses. 5 21:14 Therefore be resolved 6 not to rehearse 7 ahead of time how to make your defense. 21:15 For I will give you the words 8 along with the wisdom 9 that none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.
1 sn But before all this. Another note of timing is present, this one especially important in understanding the sequence in the discourse. Before the things noted in vv. 8-11 are the events of vv. 12-19.
2 tn Grk “will lay their hands on you.”
3 sn Some of the persecution is of Jewish origin (the synagogues). Some fulfillment of this can be seen in Acts. See the note on synagogues in 4:15.
4 tn Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation.
5 tn Grk “This will turn out to you for [a] testimony.”
6 tn Grk “determine in your hearts.”
7 tn This term could refer to rehearsing a speech or a dance. On its syntax, see BDF §392.2.
8 tn Grk “a mouth.” It is a metonymy and refers to the reply the Lord will give to them.
9 tn Grk “and wisdom.”
