{Be not anxious beforehand what ye shall speak} (m(880a)promerimn(8374)e ti lal(8873)(8874)e). Negative with present imperative to
make a general prohibition or habit. Jesus is not here referring
to preaching, but to defences made before these councils and
governors. A typical example is seen in the courage and skill of
Peter and John before the Sanhedrin in Acts. The verb merimna(935c)
is from meriz(935c) (meris), to be drawn in opposite directions,
to be distracted. See on 烘t 6:25|. They are not to be stricken
with fright beforehand, but to face fearlessly those in high
places who are seeking to overthrow the preaching of the gospel.
There is no excuse here for the lazy preacher who fails to
prepare his sermon out of the mistaken reliance upon the Holy
Spirit. They will need and will receive the special help of the
Holy Spirit (cf.  Joh 14-16 ).