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
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
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
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
And the gospel must first be preached unto all the nations . St. Matthew ( Matthew 24:14 ) says it shall be preached "in the whole world, for a testimony unto all the nations" ( ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ οἰκουμένῃ εἰς μαρτύριον ). This literally took place, as far as the inhabited world was concerned at that time, before the destruction of Jerusalem. St. Paul ( Romans 10:18 ) reminds us that "their sound is gone out into all lands, and their words unto the ends of the world;" and he tells... read more
And when they lead you to judgment, and deliver you up, be not anxious beforehand what ye shall speak . Our Lord does not mean by this that they were not to premeditate a prudent and wise answer Rut he means that they were not to be too anxious about it. In St. Luke ( Luke 21:15 ) he says, "I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to withstand or to gainsay." So here, it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost who shall inspire you with wisdom... read more
Our Lord further warns his disciples that they would have to suffer persecution even from their own relations, their brethren, and their fathers, who, forgetful of natural affection, would persecute the faithful even unto death. It is related of Woodman, a martyr in Sussex, in Queen Mary's time, that he was betrayed and taken by his father and his brother, and that he comforted himself with the thought that this very text of Scripture was verified in him. Bede says that our Lord predicted... read more
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake ( ὑπο πάντων ). The faith and preaching of a crucified Savior was a new thing. Hence everywhere, the Jews, accustomed to their own Law, and the Gentiles, to their own idols, set themselves against the preachers of the gospel, and against those who were converted to it. "All men" means great numbers, perhaps the greater number. Just as, when we say, "The majority are doing anything," we say, in popular language, "Everybody does it." But... read more
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
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John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Mark 13:11
Verse 11 Mark 13:11.Neither premeditate. This sentence, as well as the one which immediately follows, we have explained (131) under Matthew 10:19 Our Lord’s design in these words is, to relieve the disciples from that anxiety which interferes with the cheerful discharge of our duty, when we doubt our inability to sustain the burden. Not that he wishes us to fall asleep in indolent security, for nothing is more advantageous than to have such a consciousness of our weakness as produces humility... read more