(emphasis mine)
[Jesus speaking]
You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the GOSPEL MUST FIRST BE PREACHED to all nations.
Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

--Parallel verses:
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭16‬:‭13‬-‭14‬
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.

When raising my kids and training them to become adults, I have tried to teach them and model for them the important things that will matter most in life. Clearly, my model is imperfect, but it still counts and matters to them. If I were to spell out to them what matters as they grow up, these character traits come to mind: 1) Be someone who is willing to seek after the heart of God and model his love, 2) Be honest with yourself and others, 3) Work hard and pursue excellence, 4) Be kind and give graciously, and 5) Keep your covenants and promises. Be faithful and reliable and never give up.

The primary purpose of my life is to reflect the glory of God and to follow Jesus in all things.

Jesus here is giving his disciples instructions for the future. He says: “Be on your guard”, or be alert. Do not get complacent. Do not settle for less than God’s best. Be ready to serve. Stand firm.

This is a rallying cry here. He wants them to not be unprepared for extreme trials. These look like: 1) being arrested, 2) being whipped unmercifully, 3) Being betrayed, even by family members, and 4) being hated.

So how should they prepare for this? By doing the work of the ministry. Knowing God’s word and the message of Jesus, and preaching these all the time. Do not falter in your faith but stand strong! Be full of courage! And let love define you.

Lord, thank you for this battle-cry charge to endure hardship. You call us to stand in fiery trials and to be full of courage. Build in me the spiritual muscle-memory to act in faith and courage when the attacks come. Thank you for your truth and grace!