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1As Jesus was leaving the temple courts, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Teacher, look at these magnificent buildings! And what tremendous stones were used to build all this!”[#13:1 This is Solomon’s Temple, rebuilt by Herod the Great. He began the project in 19 BC, prior to the birth of Christ, using some of the greatest marble and gold ornamentation found in the Middle East. Some of the stones he used were five meters long and over one meter high.]
2Jesus turned to them and said, “Take a good look at all these enormous buildings, for I’m telling you, there will not be one stone left upon another. It will all be leveled!”[#13:2 This prophecy of Jesus was fulfilled by the Roman prince Titus, who, in the Roman war of AD 67–70, destroyed the temple. There is still standing in Rome today the Arch of Titus, which commemorates his conquest of Jerusalem. In about AD 135, the emperor Hadrian completely destroyed the city of Jerusalem and built a new city on its foundations.]
3Later, while Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, overlooking the temple, his disciples, Peter, Jacob, John, and Andrew, came to him privately where he was sitting and said,
4“Tell us, when will these things happen? And what supernatural sign should we expect to signal your coming and the completion of this age?”[#13:4 Although it is possible to translate this “the end of the world,” the Hebraic mindset of the end of days is a transition into a new age of the Messiah’s coming that would restore all things. Note also that this teaching regarding the last days was not given publicly but only to four disciples.]
5Jesus answered, “At that time deception will run rampant. So beware that you’re not fooled!
6For many will appear on the scene claiming my authority or saying about themselves, ‘I am God’s Anointed,’ and they will lead many astray.[#13:6 Or “making use of my name.”; #13:6 Or “I am” (the one), or “It is I.”]
7You will hear rumors of wars nearby, with more rumors of wars to come. Make sure that you are not thrown into a panic or give in to your fears, for these things are destined to happen. Prepare for it, but still the end is not yet.[#13:7 As translated from the Aramaic.]
8For nations will go to war against each other and kingdoms will clash with kingdoms. And there will be terrible earthquakes in place after place—seismic events of epic proportion. And there will be famines and riots. This is how the first contractions and birth pains of the new age will begin.”[#13:8 Or “ethnic groups.” Although implied in the Greek, the Aramaic text is explicit: “Peoples will rise over peoples and kingdoms over kingdoms.”; #13:8 The word riots (rebellious uprisings) is found only in the Aramaic manuscripts. See also 2 Chron. 15:6 and Isa. 19:2.]
9“Be on your guard! For they will hand you over to the ruling councils, and you will be beaten in public gatherings. And you will stand trial before kings and high-ranking governmental leaders as an opportunity to testify to them on my behalf.
10But prior to the end of the age, the hope of the gospel must first be preached to all nations.[#13:10 As translated from the Aramaic (lit. “hopes”).; #13:10 The chronological reference (“first”) takes us back to v. 7. That is, the end will not come before the gospel is preached to all nations.]
11“So when they put you under arrest and hand you over for trial, don’t even give one thought about what you will say. Simply speak what the Holy Spirit gives you at that very moment. And realize that it won’t be you speaking but the Holy Spirit speaking through you.
12Brothers will betray each other unto death—even a father his child. Children will rise up to take a stand against their parents and have them put to death.
13Expect to be hated by all because of your allegiance to my name. But determine to be faithful to the end and you will be saved.”[#13:13 Or “you will be rescued” or “preserved” or “delivered.”]
14“When you witness what Daniel prophesied, ‘the disgusting destroyer,’ standing where it must not be [Let the reader learn what it means], then those in the land of Judah must escape to higher ground.[#13:14 Or “the abomination [sin] that brings desolation [desecration].” See Dan. 8:13; 9:27; 11:31; 12:11. Jesus is saying that Daniel’s prophecy had not yet been fulfilled in his time. Many see the fulfillment of this prophecy in AD 70, when Titus, the Roman prince, went into the temple and sacrificed animals to Jupiter.; #13:14 The Aramaic is “the defiling sign of desolation piling up” (setting up).; #13:14 These parenthetical words were added by Mark to encourage us to seek the Lord for the understanding of this mystery. Jesus, speaking in the role of the true Prophet, gives us truth to ponder in veiled language.; #13:14 See Jer. 16:16; Zech. 14:5; Luke 21:20–22.]
15On that day, if you happen to be outside, don’t go back inside to gather your belongings.[#13:15 Or “on the roof.”]
16And if you’re working out in the field, don’t run back home to get a coat.
17It will be especially hard for pregnant women and for those nursing their babies when those days come.[#13:17 Or “woe.” Jesus is not cursing them, but stating how dreadfully difficult it will be for them.]
18So pray that your escape will not be during the winter months.
19For this will be a time of great misery beyond the magnitude of anything the world has ever seen from the beginning of time or ever will see.[#13:19 Or “such as has not been seen from the beginning of the creation that God created until now.”]
20Unless God limits those days, no one would escape. But because of his love for his chosen ones, he will shorten that time of trouble.
21“And if you hear reports from people, saying, ‘Look, the Messiah is over here,’ or, ‘The Messiah is over there!’ don’t believe it.
22For there will be imposters falsely claiming to be God’s ‘Anointed One.’ And false prophets will arise to perform miracle signs, and if it were possible, they would cause God’s chosen ones to wander off the right track.[#13:22 The Aramaic is “prophets of lies.”]
23Be alert, for I prophesy all this will happen!”
24“This is what will take place after that suffering:
The sun will be darkened and the moon will reflect no light.
25The stars will be falling from the sky
and all the cosmic powers will be shaken.
26“Then they will see the Son of Man appearing in the midst of clouds and revealed with mighty power and great glory.[#13:26 See Dan. 7:13.]
27At that time he will send his messengers to gather together his beloved chosen ones from every direction—from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven!”[#13:27 Or “angels.” The Greek word for “angels” can also mean “messengers.”]
28“Now, learn the lesson from the parable of the fig tree. When spring arrives, and it sends out its tender branches and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near.
29So also, when you observe all these things progressively taking place, you will know that he is near, even at the door![#13:29 Or “it.”]
30I assure you, this family will not pass away until all I have spoken comes to pass.[#13:30 As translated from the Aramaic, which employs a homonym that can be translated either “this generation will not pass away,” or “this family will not pass away.” The generation in which Jesus lived on earth has indeed passed away, but the Christian “family” of believers remains and endures. Arguably one of the most difficult verses in the Gospels to interpret, “this generation” could also refer to the Jewish people (race).]
31The earth and sky will wear out and fade away before one word I speak loses its power or fails to accomplish its purpose.”
32“Concerning that day and exact hour, no one knows when it will arrive, not the angels of heaven, not even the Son—only the Father knows.
33This is why you must be waiting, watching and praying, because no one knows when that season of time will come.”[#13:33 Most Greek manuscripts do not have “and praying”; however, there are ancient authorities who make reference to its inclusion here.]
34“For those days can be compared to a man who was about to leave on a journey, but before leaving he placed his servants in charge and gave each one work to do while he was away. Then he commanded the watchman to be on guard at all times.[#13:34 Or “doorkeeper.”]
35So I say to you, keep awake and alert—for you have no idea when the master of the house will return; in the evening, at midnight, at four o’clock in the morning, or at dawn.[#13:35 Or “when the rooster crows.”]
36Be alert, for he’s coming suddenly and may find you sleeping!
37And what I say to the four of you, I say to everyone—be awake at all times!”