for my sake] Ye need not be discouraged, for it is not for your sins, but for your religion ye are persecuted, Matth. 5. 11, 12. for a testimony] I could keep you from those dangers, but I would have you to suffer them, that ye may make your persecutours inexcusable. against them and the Gentiles] Ye shall be persecuted both by Jews and Gentiles.