Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 13:10

"And the gospel must first be preached unto all the nations." — Mark 13:10 (ASV)

The word “must” (GK 1256) underscores the will of God, who has decreed that the Gospel be preached to “all nations” (or “all Gentiles”). This is Jesus’ mandate to his disciples and through them to his church. “First” probably means before the End. Jesus seems to be saying here, “Instead of looking for signs of the end, get busy and spread the ‘good news’! All nations must hear before the End comes.”