You will be tempted to run away. No one lets themselves be flogged or condemned by a judge for pleasure. Christ points the way: be a witness. In the New Testament, “witnessing” is an important word. Say frankly and freely what you stand for, what you want to make known. Present yourself as someone who knows the true facts and what life is all about. These disciples saw those facts with their own eyes and heard Christ’s explanation of them. As reliable witnesses, you very clearly describe what you know is true. You will stand there in the power of the truth. That is what witnesses do before courts of justice, or in communities of faith.
17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues,