Suffering of disciples - Mark 13:9-13
In this paragraph Jesus shifted focus from international struggles to the suffering of his disciples. Jesus warned them that they would be
beaten,
arrested,
handed over to authorities by Jewish leaders and even by family members, and
hated.
Sanhedrin - Mark 13:9
The plural
councils is a translation of the word which often is translated as Sanhedrin when it is in the singular and refers to the ruling body of Judaism in Jerusalem. The plural form probably refers to Jewish ruling councils in the many cities of Palestine and the larger Mediterranean world.
The Holy Spirit would lead them. - Mark 13:10-13
Jesus encouraged them by prophesying that the gospel must be
proclaimed and would ultimately result in the world wide spread of the faith. He added that it would only take place in the context of severe persecution. In the face of such persecution Jesus promised them that the Holy Spirit would lead them and that ultimately they would be
saved.
When would the temple be destroyed? - Mark 13:14-23
In these verses Jesus answered more directly the disciples' question of when the temple would be destroyed. The Roman Christians who first received this gospel understood these words all too well.
Abomination of desolation - Mark 13:14
The
abomination of
desolation is language drawn from Dan. 11:31 which predicted a desecration of the temple which was fulfilled by Antiochus Epiphanes in 168 B.C. He set up an altar to Zeus in the temple and sacrificed pigs on it. Jesus answered the disciples' question by referring to the coming destruction of the temple in A.D. 70. Some interpreters also find here a reference to events in the days immediately preceding the second coming of Christ. (Compare 2 Thess. 2:4.) Jesus' clear command to them was to
flee to the mountains to escape the destruction of the Romans.
Danger would come quickly - Mark 13:15
Jesus' command to not go into one's house fits the fact that houses typically had flat roofs that were used as additional living spaces and an outside stair way for access. Jesus' point was that the danger would come so quickly that no time could be lost in escaping.
Jesus expressed his sorrow - Mark 13:17
Jesus expressed his sorrow for all those in those days of destruction who could not leave the city quickly because they were pregnant or had infant children.
Tribulation - Mark 13:19
Historical sources such as the Jewish historian Josephus confirm the magnitude of the
tribulation involved with the destruction of Jerusalem. That tribulation was a foretaste of the destruction at the end of this age.
Jesus reassured disciples - Mark 13:20
Jesus reassured his disciples of God's mercy and care for them. God would
shorten that tribulation to
save his
elect. God's chosen ones will be preserved in the middle of his most severe judgment on sin.
False messiahs and prophets - Mark 13:21-22
The political upheaval of the days leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem created fertile opportunity for false messiahs and false prophets.
Be on guard - Mark 13:23
Again Jesus warned them to
be on guard. The reason he spent this whole chapter telling them about the future was so they would not be taken by surprise, but would be faithful.
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