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Mark Chapter
Thirteen
Mark 12~13
In chapter 13 the Lord takes up much more the service of
the apostles in the circumstances that would surround them
than the
development of the dispensations and the ways of God with respect to the
kingdom-a point of view more presented in Matthew
who treats of this subject.
It will be observed
that the disciples' question takes only a general
view of the subject which pre-occupied them. They ask when the judgment upon
the temple and all these things shall be fulfilled. And from verses 9-13
although some circumstances found in Matthew 24 are included
the passage
relates even more to that which is said in Matthew 10. It speaks of the service
which the disciples would accomplish in the midst of Israel
and in testimony
against persecuting authorities
the gospel being preached in all nations
before the end came. They were
as preachers
to fill the place which Jesus had
occupied among the people
only that the testimony was to extend much farther.
It would be in the face of all possible suffering and most trying persecutions.
But there would be a moment when this service should end.
The well-known sign of the abomination that maketh desolate would point it out.
They were then to flee. These would be the days of unparalleled distress
and
of signs and wonders
which
if it were possible
would deceive the very elect.
But they were forewarned. Everything should be shaken after that time
and the
Son of man should come. Power should take the place of testimony
and the Son of
man should gather together His elect (of Israel) from all parts of the earth.
It appears to me that in this Gospel
more than in any
other
the Lord brings together the judgment on Jerusalem then at hand
and
that which is yet to come
carrying the mind on to the latter
because He is
here more occupied with the conduct of His disciples during those events.
Israel
the whole system into which the Lord had come
was to be set aside
provisionally
in order to bring in the assembly and the kingdom in its heavenly
character
and afterwards the millennium-that is
the assembly in its glory and
the kingdom established in power-when the legal system and Israel under the
first covenant should be finally set aside. At these two periods the general
position of the disciples would be the same; but the events of the latter
period would be definitive and important
and the Lord speaks especially of
them. Nevertheless that which was the most imminent
and which
for the
present
set aside Israel and the testimony
required that a warning should be
addressed to the disciples on account of their immediate danger; and they
receive it accordingly.
The effort of the Jews to re-establish their system at
the end
in despite of God
will but lead to open apostasy and definitive judgment.
This will be the time of unequalled affliction
of which the Lord speaks. But
from the time of the first destruction of Jerusalem by Titus until the coming
of the Lord
the Jews are considered as set aside and under this judgment
in
what degree soever it may have been accomplished.
The disciples are commanded to watch
for they know not the hour. It
is the conduct of the disciples in this respect which is here especially before
the eyes of the Lord. It is of this great day
and the hour of its arrival
that the angels and even the Son
as Prophet
know not. For Jesus must sit at
the right hand of God until His enemies are made His footstool
and the time of
His rising up is not revealed. The Father has kept it
says Jesus
in His own
power. See Acts 3
where Peter proposes to the Jews the Lord's return. They
rejected his testimony; and now they wait for the full accomplishment of all
that has been spoken. Meantime the servants are left to serve during the
Master's absence. He commanded the porter in particular to watch. They knew not
at what hour the Master would come. This applies to the disciples in their
connection with Israel
but at the same time it is a general principle. The
Lord addresses it to all.
── John Darby《Synopsis of Mark》
Mark 13
Chapter Contents
The destruction of the temple foretold. (1-4) Christ's
prophetic declaration. (5-13) Christ's prophecy. (14-23) His prophetic
declarations. (24-27) Watchfulness urged. (28-37)
Commentary on Mark 13:1-4
(Read Mark 13:1-4)
See how little Christ values outward pomp
where there is
not real purity of heart. He looks with pity upon the ruin of precious souls
and weeps over them
but we do not find him look with pity upon the ruin of a
fine house. Let us then be reminded how needful it is for us to have a more
lasting abode in heaven
and to be prepared for it by the influences of the
Holy Spirit
sought in the earnest use of all the means of grace.
Commentary on Mark 13:5-13
(Read Mark 13:5-13)
Our Lord Jesus
in reply to the disciples' question
does
not so much satisfy their curiosity as direct their consciences. When many are
deceived
we should thereby be awakened to look to ourselves. And the disciples
of Christ
if it be not their own fault
may enjoy holy security and peace of
mind
when all around is in disorder. But they must take heed that they are not
drawn away from Christ and their duty to him
by the sufferings they will meet
with for his sake. They shall be hated of all men: trouble enough! Yet the work
they were called to should be carried on and prosper. Though they may be
crushed and borne down
the gospel cannot be. The salvation promised is more
than deliverance from evil
it is everlasting blessedness.
Commentary on Mark 13:14-23
(Read Mark 13:14-23)
The Jews in rebelling against the Romans
and in
persecuting the Christians
hastened their own ruin apace. Here we have a
prediction of that ruin which came upon them within less than forty years after
this. Such destruction and desolation
that the like cannot be found in any history.
Promises of power to persevere
and cautions against falling away
well agree
with each other. But the more we consider these things
the more we shall see
abundant cause to flee without delay for refuge to Christ
and to renounce
every earthly object
for the salvation of our souls.
Commentary on Mark 13:24-27
(Read Mark 13:24-27)
The disciples had confounded the destruction of Jerusalem
and the end of the world. This mistake Christ set right
and showed that the
day of Christ's coming
and the day of judgment
shall be after that
tribulation. Here he foretells the final dissolution of the present frame and
fabric of the world. Also
the visible appearance of the Lord Jesus coming in
the clouds
and the gathering together of all the elect to him.
Commentary on Mark 13:28-37
(Read Mark 13:28-37)
We have the application of this prophetic sermon. As to
the destruction of Jerusalem
expect it to come very shortly. As to the end of
the world
do not inquire when it will come
for of that day and that hour
knoweth no man. Christ
as God
could not be ignorant of anything; but the
Divine wisdom which dwelt in our Saviour
communicated itself to his human soul
according to the Divine pleasure. As to both
our duty is to watch and pray.
Our Lord Jesus
when he ascended on high
left something for all his servants
to do. We ought to be always upon our watch
in expectation of his return. This
applies to Christ's coming to us at our death
as well as to the general
judgment. We know not whether our Master will come in the days of youth
or
middle age
or old age; but
as soon as we are born
we begin to die
and therefore
we must expect death. Our great care must be
that
whenever our Lord comes
he
may not find us secure
indulging in ease and sloth
mindless of our work and
duty. He says to all
Watch
that you may be found in peace
without spot
and
blameless.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on Mark》
Mark 13
Verse 4
[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
[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.
Verse 10
[10] And
the gospel must first be published among all nations.
Verse 11
[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
[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
[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
[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
[21] And
then if any man shall say to you
Lo
here is Christ; or
lo
he is there;
believe him not:
Verse 24
[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
[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:
Verse 29
[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
[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
[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
[33] Take
ye heed
watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
Verse 34
[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.
── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on Mark》
Chapter 13. Foretell Tribulation
Heaven and
Earth Will Pass Away
God's Word Will Never Pass Away
I. Signs at the
Return of the Lord
II. Disasters
at the Return of the Lord
III. Watch at
the Return of the Lord
── Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》