But before all that, men will lay hands on you and persecute you, handing you over to synagogues and prisons; you will be dragged before kings and governors for the sake of my name.

But Peter and John replied, "Decide for yourselves whether it is right before God to obey you rather than God.

They gave in to him, and after summoning the apostles and giving them a flogging, they released them with instructions that they were not to speak about the name of Jesus.

At Philippi, as you know, we had been ill-treated and insulted, but we took courage and confidence in our God to tell you the gospel of God in spite of all the strain.

for God has not given us a timid spirit but a spirit of power and love and discipline.

So that we can say confidently, The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can men do to me?

Have no fear of what you are to suffer. The devil indeed is going to put some of you in prison, that you may be tested; you will have a distressful ten days. Be faithful, though you have to die for it, and I will give you the crown of Life.

An

They are proof positive of God's equity; you are suffering for the realm of God, and he means to make you worthy of it ??6 since God considers it but just to repay with trouble those who trouble you,

Beloved, do not be surprised at the ordeal that has come to test you, as though some foreign experience befell you.

And that

so shall all flesh see the saving power of God.'

Be sure of this, then, that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen to it."

General references

That will turn out an opportunity for you to bear witness.