Albert Barnes Commentary Mark 13

Mark 13

The principal things in this chapter are fully explained in Matthew 24.

1. What manner of stones (Mark 13:1). The stones here referred to were those used in the building of the temple, and the walls on the sides of Mount Moriah on which the temple stood. The temple was constructed of white marble, and the blocks were of a prodigious size. Josephus says that these stones were some of them fifty feet long, twenty-four broad, and sixteen in thickness.

Upon the mount of Olives over against the temple. The Mount of Olives was directly east of Jerusalem, and from it there was a fine view of the temple.

Take heed to yourselves. Be cautious that no one deceives 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. God would overrule it so that, at the same time, they would bear witness of the truth to the rulers. This was the case with Peter and John (Acts 4), with Stephen (Acts 6 and Acts 7), and with Paul (Acts 23; Acts 24:24–25).

Neither do you premeditate. Do not think beforehand, or prepare an answer. You do not know what the accusations will be, and God will furnish you with a reply that will be adapted to the occasion.

Not you that speak, but the Holy Ghost. This is a full promise that they would be inspired; and consequently their defenses recorded in the Acts of the Apostles are the words of the Holy Ghost. There could be no more explicit promise that they would be under infallible guidance; and we are not left to doubt that they were taught by God.

At the same time, this was a most desirable and gracious aid. They were illiterate, unknown, and without power. They were unfit in themselves to make the important statements of religion that were required. But God gave them power, and they spoke with a wisdom, fearlessness, pungency, and ability that no other men have ever manifested—full proof that these illiterate fishermen were under the influence of the Holy Ghost.

The brother shall betray, etc. The brother will treacherously give up his brother to be put to death, because of his attachment to Jesus. Through fear, in the hope of reward and the hatred of the gospel, he will overcome all the natural ties of brotherhood, and give up his own kindred to be burned or crucified. Perhaps nothing could more clearly show the dreadful evil of those times, as well as the natural opposition of the heart to the religion of Christ.