# Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about the reasons why they should not be afraid of the persecution that they might experience.

# Do not think

"Do not suppose" or "You must not think"

# upon the earth

This refers to the people who live on the earth. Alternate translation: "to the people of the earth" or "to people" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy]])

# a sword

This refers to division, fighting, and killing among people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy]])