Section 5
faithful believers in Christ. The "synagogues" in dicate persecution in the Jewish land, and "kings and governors" point to persecution in Gentile lands. In verse 13 the Lord says that this persecu tion will turn out to the disciples for a testimony.
THE LORD GIVING THE DISCIPLES UTTERANCE
In verses 14 and 15 the Lord continues, "Settle it therefore in your hearts not to prepare before hand to defend yourselves; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all those opposing you will not be able to resist or refute." Here the Lord says that our hearts should be settled and should not be in suspense. Neither should we prepare beforehand to defend ourselves. When ever we are about to suffer persecution, we should not consider beforehand what we shall say. In stead, we should trust in the Lord, for He will give us a mouth and wisdom.
It is significant that in verse 15 the Lord says, "I will give you a mouth and wisdom," whereas 12:12 says, "the Holy Spirit will teach you in the same hour what should be said." Furthermore, Matthew 10:20 says, "For you are not the ones speaking, but the Spirit of your Father is the One speaking in you." According to the record