⁴ “Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. ⁵But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell.#12:5 Greek Gehenna. Yes, he’s the one to fear.

⁶ “What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins # 12:6 Greek two assaria [Roman coins equal to 1/16 of a denarius]. ? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. ⁷And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

⁸ “I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man # 12:8 “Son of Man” is a title Jesus used for himself. will also acknowledge in the presence of God’s angels. ⁹But anyone who denies me here on earth will be denied before God’s angels. ¹⁰Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

¹¹ “And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, ¹²for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.”