Luke 12:4–7
Right fear of God anchors courage in persecution and confidence in divine care.
4 “I tell you, my friends, don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
5 But I will warn you whom you should fear. Fear him who after he has killed, has power to cast into Gehenna. Yes, I tell you, fear him.
6 “Aren’t five sparrows sold for two assaria coins? Not one of them is forgotten by God.
7 But the very hairs of your head are all counted. Therefore don’t be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.
Right fear of God anchors courage in persecution and confidence in divine care.
To instruct disciples to fear God rather than human persecutors and to trust in divine providence.
This passage continues the warning against hypocrisy (12:1–3) and prepares for teaching on public confession and Spirit-empowered testimony (12:8–12).
Fear God, Confess Christ, Seek the Kingdom, and Be Ready
Jesus calls His disciples to live without hypocrisy, fear, greed, anxiety, and delay, because the Father cares, the Son will come, the Spirit will help, and every life will be exposed before God.