Bible Commentaries
Mark 13

Verse 1

Matthew 24:1 ; Luke 21:5 .

Verse 4

Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?

Two questions are here asked; the one concerning the destruction of Jerusalem: the other concerning the end of the world.

Verse 9

But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.

Luke 21:12.

Verse 10

And the gospel must first be published among all nations.

Matthew 24:14.

Verse 11

But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.

The Holy Ghost will help you. But do not depend upon any other help For all the nearest ties will be broken.

Verse 14

But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:

Where it ought not — That place being set apart for sacred use. Matthew 24:15; Luke 21:20; Daniel 9:27.

Verse 19

For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.

In those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation — May it not be doubted, whether this be yet fully accomplished? Is not much of this affliction still to come?

Verse 20

And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.

The elect — The Christians: whom he hath chosen - That is, hath taken out of, or separated from, the world, through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.

He hath shortened — That is, will surely shorten.

Verse 21

And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:

Matthew 24:23.

Verse 24

But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,

But in those days — Which immediately precede the end of the world: after that tribulation - Above described.

Verse 28

Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:

Matthew 24:32; Luke 21:28.

Verse 29

So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.

He is nigh — The Son of man.

Verse 30

Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.

All these things — Relating to the temple and the city.

Verse 32

But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

Of that day — The day of judgment is often in the Scriptures emphatically called that day.

Neither the Son — Not as man: as man he was no more omniscient than omnipresent. But as God he knows all the circumstances of it.

Verse 33

Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

Matthew 24:42; Luke 21:34.

Verse 34

For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.

The Son of man is as a man taking a far journey - Being about to leave this world and go to the Father, he appoints the services that are to be performed by all his servants, in their several stations. This seems chiefly to respect ministers at the day of judgment: but it may be applied to all men, and to the time of death. Matthew 25:14; Luke 19:12.