² There is nothing covered that won’t be uncovered,^(A) nothing hidden that won’t be made known.^{(B) 3} Therefore, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in an ear in private rooms^(C) will be proclaimed on the housetops.^(D)

Fear God

⁴ “And I say to you, My friends,^(E) don’t fear^(F) those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more. ⁵ But I will show you the One to fear: Fear^(G) Him who has authority to throw people into hell^(H) after death. Yes, I say to you, this is the One to fear! ⁶ Aren’t five sparrows sold for two pennies?^[a] Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight.^{(I) 7} Indeed, the hairs of your head are all counted. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows!

Acknowledging Christ

⁸ “And I say to you, anyone who acknowledges^(J) Me before men, the Son of Man^(K) will also acknowledge him before the angels of God,^{(L) 9} but whoever denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.^(M)