This will be your opportunityThis phrase suggests a divinely appointed moment. In the context of
Luke 21, Jesus is speaking about future persecutions and trials that His followers will face. The word "opportunity" implies that what might seem like a negative situation is actually a chance for something greater. This aligns with the biblical theme that God can use difficult circumstances for His purposes, as seen in Joseph's story in
Genesis 50:20, where what was meant for evil, God used for good.
to serve as witnesses.
The term "witnesses" is significant in the New Testament, often referring to those who testify to the truth of Jesus Christ and His resurrection. InActs 1:8, Jesus tells His disciples that they will be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. The Greek word for witness, "martys," is also the root for "martyr," indicating that bearing witness may involve suffering or even death. This phrase underscores the call for believers to testify to their faith, even in the face of persecution, reflecting the early church's experience as recorded in Acts and the epistles.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, providing prophetic teaching to His disciples about the end times and the trials they will face.
2.
DisciplesThe immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all believers who will face persecution for their faith.
3.
PersecutionThe context in which believers will have the opportunity to witness, as described in the surrounding verses of
Luke 21.
4.
Synagogues and PrisonsPlaces mentioned in the broader passage where believers might be brought to testify about their faith.
5.
End TimesThe broader context of
Luke 21, where Jesus discusses signs of the end times and the coming of the Kingdom of God.
Teaching Points
Witnessing Through TrialsTrials and persecution are not just challenges but opportunities to testify about Christ. Believers should view difficult circumstances as platforms to share their faith.
Empowerment by the Holy SpiritJust as the early disciples were empowered by the Holy Spirit to witness, believers today can rely on the Spirit for boldness and wisdom in their testimony.
Preparedness to TestifyChristians should be prepared to articulate their faith and the hope they have in Christ, especially when faced with opposition.
Faithfulness in PersecutionRemaining faithful under persecution is a powerful testimony to the truth of the Gospel. Believers are called to stand firm in their faith, trusting in God's sovereignty.
Eternal PerspectiveUnderstanding that earthly trials are temporary and that they serve a greater purpose in God's plan can help believers maintain an eternal perspective.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Luke 21:13?
2.How can Luke 21:13 inspire you to testify about your faith daily?
3.What does "an opportunity for you to serve as witnesses" mean practically?
4.How does Luke 21:13 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20?
5.In what ways can trials become opportunities to glorify God in your life?
6.How can you prepare to witness effectively when facing persecution or challenges?
7.How does Luke 21:13 serve as a testimony for believers facing persecution?
8.What historical context surrounds the events described in Luke 21?
9.How does Luke 21:13 relate to the theme of enduring faith in adversity?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 21?
11.Why didn't Jesus return as He promised His disciples?
12.What does the Bible say about women's rights?
13.If God is truly the 'God of vengeance' (Psalm 94:1), why has so much evil throughout history gone seemingly unpunished?
14.Do apostles and prophets exist in today's church?What Does Luke 21:13 Mean
This• In the immediate context, Jesus has just forewarned His disciples about arrest, persecution, and being brought before kings and governors (Luke 21:12).
• “This” points directly to those hard circumstances. They are not random misfortunes but divinely foreseen events, much like Joseph’s trials that God used for a greater purpose (Genesis 50:20).
• Scripture repeatedly shows that hardship becomes a setting for God’s work—consider Paul’s imprisonments (Acts 16:23–34;Philippians 1:12–13) and the scattering of believers that spread the gospel (Acts 8:1–4).
Will be• The phrase affirms certainty. Jesus speaks with authority; what He declares will happen just as surely as every prophecy concerning His first coming was fulfilled (Luke 24:25–27).
• Trials are not accidental; they are under God’s sovereign timetable (Romans 8:28).
• The Lord promises present help and future vindication, echoing His assurance inMatthew 10:19–20 that the Spirit will supply words when believers are on trial.
Your opportunity• The spotlight shifts from the event to the believer’s privilege. Rather than seeing persecution as a dead end, Jesus calls it an “opportunity.”
• Throughout Acts, arrests opened doors: Peter’s defense before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:8–12), Paul before Agrippa (Acts 26:1–29).
• Hardship becomes a platform for gospel advance, turning personal adversity into kingdom fruit (Philippians 1:12–14;James 1:2–4).
To serve as witnesses• The heart of the verse: believers testify about Christ. This fulfillsActs 1:8—“you will be My witnesses.”
• A witness tells what he has seen and knows. Stephen’s bold testimony even as he was stoned (Acts 7:54–60) illustrates this calling.
• Faithfulness under fire validates the message (1 Peter 3:15–16) and overcomes the enemy “by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11).
summary• Jesus turns looming persecution into a promise: every trial is a God-given stage to testify about Him.
• The certainty of opposition (“will be”) rests in God’s sovereignty; therefore no circumstance is wasted.
• Believers are invited to view adversity as an “opportunity,” not a setback, echoing patterns seen throughout Scripture.
• The ultimate goal is clear: to bear witness to Christ, trusting the Spirit to supply words and courage, and expecting God to use each testimony for His glory and the advance of the gospel.
(13)
It shall turn to you for a testimony.--There are but two writers in the New Testament who use the verb (literally,
to come out) in this figurative sense. St. Luke is one, and the other is St. Paul, in a passage so closely parallel to this as to read almost like an echo of it (
Philippians 1:19). The "testimony" is defined by
Mark 13:9, as being borne to the kings and rulers before whom the disciples were to stand.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
This will be your opportunityἀποβήσεται(apobēsetai)Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 576:From apo and the base of basis; literally, to disembark; figuratively, to eventuate.toεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.serve as witnesses.μαρτύριον(martyrion)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3142:Neuter of a presumed derivative of martus; something evidential, i.e. evidence given or, the Decalogue.
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NT Gospels: Luke 21:13 It will turn out as a testimony (Luke Lu Lk) 
