S – But you, be on your guard! They will hand you over to local courts,^, and you will be flogged in the synagogues. You will stand before governors and kings because of me, as a witness to them. ¹⁰ And it is necessary that the gospel be preached to all nations

Mark 13:9–10 CSB

O – Commentary:

The second watch out! warns of persecution that was to come upon Christians (see 6:11; 8:34–38; 10:30; see 4:17). Jewish Christians would be brought before local councils of Jewish leaders, who had authority over Jewish communities. We read of such a council in Matt 10:17 and probably in Matt 5:22 (see also Acts 4:1–22). • beaten in the synagogues: Paul’s beatings in 2 Cor 11:24–25 were probably inflicted in the local synagogue. • The followers of Jesus would also be susceptible to trial before governors and kings (see Acts 23:24; 24:10–27; 25:1–26:32). Such trials were due to their being followers of Jesus (13:9, 13), not on account of real wrongdoing (see 1 Pet 4:14–16). • But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me: Or But this will be your testimony against them. The Greek can be interpreted either way

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A – Jesus warned his disciples how the disciples would preach the gospel.  Would you accept the assignment?  He is sending them to a life of pain and rejection…all to get the gospel out.  Yet, we preach the gospel daily with our words and actions in everyday environments. Daily, people judge the gospel by how we share and model our faith in Christ.  Each day is our opportunity to tell them.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the Creator of all.  Empower us in our testimony to share a genuine love and faith in you.  Let our words and actions share who you are and your desire for relationship with us.  We invite your Holy Spirit to lead us today in all environments and situations.