Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible

Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Mark 13

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Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Mark 13

Verse Commentaries:

Chapter Level Commentary: Mark 13

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS

UBS⁴ NKJV NRSV TEV NJB The Destruction of the Temple Foretold Jesus Predicts the Destruction of the Temple Destruction of Jerusalem Foretold Jesus Speaks of the Destruction of the Temple The Eschatological Discourse: Introduction Mar_13:1-2 Mar_13:1-2 Mar_13:1-2 Mar_13:1-2 Mar_13:1-2 The Beginning of Woes The Signs of the Times and the End of the Age On the End of the Age Troubles and Persecutions Mar_13:3-13 Mar_13:3-13 Mar_13:3-13 Mar_13:3-8 Mar_13:3-4 The Beginning of Sorrows Mar_3:5-8 Mar_13:9-13 Mar_13:9-10 Mar_13:11-13 The Great Tribulation The Great Tribulation The Awful Horror The Great Tribulation of Jerusalem Mar_13:14-23 Mar_13:14-23 Mar_13:14-23 Mar_13:14-20 Mar_13:14-20 Mar_13:21-23 Mar_13:21-23 The Coming of the Son of Man The Coming of the Son of Man The Coming of the Son of Man The Coming of the Son of Man Mar_13:24-27 Mar_13:24-27 Mar_13:24-27 Mar_13:24-27 Mar_13:24-27 The Lesson of the Fig Tree The Parable of the Fig Tree The Lesson of the Fig Tree The Time of This Coming Mar_13:28-31 Mar_13:28-31 Mar_13:28-31 Mar_13:28-31 Mar_13:28-31 The Unknown Day and Hour No One Knows the Day or Hour No One Knows the Day or Hour Mar_13:32-37 Mar_13:32-37 Mar_13:32-37 Mar_13:32-37 Mar_13:32 Be On the Alert Mar_13:33-37 READING CYCLE THREE (from "hyperlink")

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five modern translations. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one main subject.

1. First paragraph

2. Second paragraph

3. Third paragraph

4. Etc.

CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS

A. New Testament eschatological passages reflect Old Testament prophetic insight that viewed the end-time through contemporary occurrences. Jesus follows this pattern. The OT prophets Micah and Jeremiah foretold the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple as a sign of God's judgment on unbelieving Israel. God would call Gentiles to judge His people and take over their land. Now in the NT God's people still act in unbelief. They reject His Messiah. They will be destroyed, along with their city and temple (i.e., a.d. 70 by Titus). Their promised land is now given to others (cf. Mar_12:1-12, especially Mar_13:9, i.e., apparently Gentile believers. The Gentile mission is described in Mar_13:9-13).

B. Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 are so difficult to interpret because they deal with several questions simultaneously.

1. when will the temple be destroyed?

2. what will be the sign of the Messiah's return?

3. when will this age end?

C. The genre of New Testament eschatology is usually a combination of apocalyptic and prophetic language, which is purposely ambiguous and highly symbolic.

D. Several passages in the NT (cf. Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 17, 21, 1 and 2 Thess. and Rev.) deal with the Second Coming. These passages emphasize

1. that the exact time of the event is unknown, but the event is certain

2. that the last generation will know the general time, but not specific time, of the events

3. that it will occur suddenly and unexpectedly

4. that every generation of believers must be prayerful, ready, and faithful to assigned tasks

E. The primary focus of this chapter is on practical advice (19 imperatives), not pinpointing the exact time or chronological sequence of the events of the Second Coming.

F. The two key phrases are (1) "look out" (Mar_13:5; Mar_13:9; Mar_13:23; Mar_13:33) and (2) "not yet" (Mar_13:7; Mar_13:10). These twin foci of "be ready" and "wait patiently" are balanced with the other paradox of "the already" and "the not yet."

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POSSIBLE OUTLINE RELATED TO THE DISCIPLES' QUESTIONS (taken from E. F. Bruce's Answers to Questions, p. 57)

A. Warnings against being misled (Mar_13:5-8)

B. Predictions of persecution (Mar_13:9-13)

C. The destruction of Jerusalem (Mar_13:14-23)

D. The return of Christ (Mar_13:24-27)

E. Exhortations to be watchful in their contemporary situation which led to the destruction of Jerusalem (Mar_13:28-31, i.e., that generation Mar_13:34)

F. Exhortations to be watchful for the Lord's return (Mar_13:32-37; i.e., no one knows but the Father, Mar_13:36)

G. F. F. Bruce makes Mark 13 parallel to first six seals of Revelation 6 (cf. p. 57 and 138)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.

1. What is the basic purpose of this chapter?

2. Do Mar_13:4-7 describe the end time?

3. How is Daniel's prophecy of chapters 7-12 related to the Second Coming?

4. Why does Jesus use apocalyptic language like Mar_13:24?

5. Can believers know when the Lord will come again?

6. Is the Second Coming: imminent, delayed, or time uncertain?

7. How could Jesus not know the time of His return?

8. Do you expect Jesus' return in your lifetime?

WORD AND PHRASE STUDY