Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Mark 13:5-13

Our Lord Jesus, in reply to their question, sets himself, not so much to satisfy their curiosity as to direct their consciences; leaves them still in the dark concerning the times and seasons, which the father has kept in his own power, and which it was not for them to know; but gives them the cautions which were needful, with reference to the events that should now shortly come to pass. I. They must take heed that they be not deceived by the seducers and imposters that should now shortly... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Mark 13:1-37

Mark 13:1-37 is one of the most difficult chapters in the New Testament for a modern reader to understand. That is because it is one of the most Jewish chapters in the Bible. From beginning to end it is thinking in terms of Jewish history and Jewish ideas. All through it Jesus is using categories and pictures which were very familiar to the Jews of his day, but which are very strange, and indeed, unknown, to many modern readers. Even so, it is not possible to disregard this chapter because... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Mark 13:9

But take heed to yourselves ,.... This does not so much regard their doctrine and conversation, they were to take heed to; in which sense this phrase is sometimes used; but the security of their persons and lives; and the advice is, to take care of them selves, as much as in them lay, how they came into the hands of the persecuting Jews, and exposed themselves to danger, when at any time it could be avoided: for they shall deliver you up to councils ; their greater and lesser sanhedrim;... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Mark 13:9

Councils - Συνεδρια , Sanhedrins. The grand Sanhedrin consisted of seventy-two elders; six chosen out of each tribe; this was the national council of state; and the small Sanhedrins, which were composed of twenty-three counsellors. Synagogues - Courts of justice for villages, etc., consisting of three magistrates, chosen out of the principal directors of the synagogue in that place. Rulers - Or governors. The Roman deputies, such as Pontius Pilate, etc. Kings - The tetrarchs of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 13:1-13

Prophetic adumbrations. I. " MATERIAL TEMPLES , POLLUTED BY MEN 'S SINS , MUST PERISH ." II. " THE TEMPLE OF HUMAN MINDS , PURIFIED BY THE DIVINE SPIRIT , WILL ABIDE FOR EVER " (Godwin). III. THE EDUCATION OF ILLUSIONS . (See F. W. Robertson's sermon on 'The Illusiveness of Life!') God in history is God in disguise. To detect his presence is not always easy. Surface and show are constantly taken for truth and reality. IV. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 13:1-13

Parallel passages: Matthew 24:1-14 ; Luke 21:5-19 .— Unexpected events, I. PROPHECIES . 1 . Distribution of prophetic intimations. Great diversity of opinion prevails in regard to the predictions contained in this chapter. About one part of it, however, there is unanimity; the early portion contains, as all admit, a prophecy about the destruction of the temple which was literally and actually fulfilled within forty years after it had been uttered. The remainder of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 13:1-37

Watching. This chapter relates almost exclusively to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Yet in its testimony to the Divine power of foretelling future events, it has its evidential value to all students of the person of our Lord; while its central and simple lesson, " Watch! the day of your Lord's coming ye know not," may be profitably reiterated with frequency in the ears of all. One of the disciples, on passing out of the temple, drew the attention of the Master to the massiveness and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 13:3-13

The witness of the persecuted. It was natural enough that the disciples, when the Lord foretold the destruction of the temple, should wish to know when an event so stupendous and awful should occur. On their way to Bethany at eventide, the little party, composed of Jesus and his four most intimate friends, paused upon the crown of Olivet, and looked back upon the glorious but guilty city, and upon that edifice which was its proudest ornament and beast. The anxious, awed disciples took... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Mark 13:9

Take heed to yourselves - Be cautious that no man deceive you; or, take care of your lives, not to run into unnecessary danger.To councils - The higher ecclesiastical courts of the Jews, including the Sanhedrin, or great council of the nation.Rulers and kings - Referring to Roman officers.For a testimony against them - Rather to bear testimony to them, or to be witnesses “before them” of the truth. This was” for the sake” of Jesus, or because they were attached to him; and God would overrule it... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Mark 13:9

Mark 13:9. Take heed to yourselves Walk circumspectly, and arm yourselves both with patience and fortitude, that you may be able to perform your duty amid all the opposition and persecution which you shall meet with. For they shall deliver you up to councils, &c. See note on Matthew 10:17; Matthew 24:9. And in the synagogues ye shall be beaten “It is certain,” says Whitby, “both from Scripture and the Jewish writers, that whipping and beating were punishments used in the synagogues... read more

Group of Brands