Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 13:11

"And when they lead you [to judgment], and deliver you up, be not anxious beforehand what ye shall speak: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye; for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Spirit." — Mark 13:11 (ASV)

Jesus went on to predict that the disciples would be hauled into court and would there be cross-examined by the authorities. He promised them, in that situation, strength and resources beyond their own through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit would reveal to them on the spot the appropriate words to speak (cf. Jeremiah 1:9; Acts 6:10; Acts 7:55).