Matthew Henry Commentary Mark 13:5-13

"And Jesus began to say unto them, Take heed that no man lead you astray. Many shall come in my name, saying, I am [he]; and shall lead many astray. And when ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars, be not troubled: [these things] must needs come to pass; but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there shall be earthquakes in divers places; there shall be famines: these things are the beginning of travail. But take ye heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in synagogues shall ye be beaten; and before governors and kings shall ye stand for my sake, for a testimony unto them. And the gospel must first be preached unto all the nations. 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. And brother shall deliver up brother to death, and the father his child; and children shall rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name`s sake: but he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved." — Mark 13:5-13 (ASV)

Our Lord Jesus, in reply to the disciples' question, does not so much satisfy their curiosity as direct their consciences. When many are deceived, we should therefore be awakened to examine ourselves. And the disciples of Christ, if it is not their own fault, may enjoy holy security and peace of mind, when all around is in disorder.

But they must be careful that they are not drawn away from Christ and their duty to him, by the sufferings they will experience for his sake. They will be hated by all men: trouble enough! Yet the work they were called to will be carried on and prosper. Though they may be crushed and weighed down, the gospel cannot be. The salvation promised is more than deliverance from evil; it is everlasting blessedness.