Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryMark 13

As he went out. [Signs of Christ’s Return, Mark 13:1–37=Matt. 24:1–51=Luke 21:5–38. Major comment: Matthew.]

Troubles. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 146) omitting this word.

Take heed. Matthew (ch. 24) omits that part of Jesus’ discourse recorded in Mark 13:9–12, probably for the reason that he had already reported practically the same observations and counsels from an earlier discourse. For comment on these verses see on Matt. 10:17–21. Councils. Undoubtedly a reference to the local Jewish sanhedrins, or courts, which met in the various synagogues (see p. 56). Rulers and kings. Primarily a reference to Gentile rulers. Testimony against them. Preferably, “bear witness before them” (see on Matt. 10:18).

Published. Gr. kērussō, “to proclaim” or “to herald,” hence, “to preach.”

Lead you. Meaning here that they would be “led away to court, to a magistrate, or to punishment” (see Matt. 10:18; Luke 21:12; Luke 22:54; Acts 25:17; etc.). Take no thought. That is, no anxious thought; “do not be anxious” (see on Matt. 6:25; 10:19). Neither do ye premeditate. See on Matt. 10:19, 20. Textual evidence attests (cf. p. 146) the omission of these words.

Standing where it ought not. Or, “set up where it ought not to be” (RSV).

Christ. Literally, “the Christ,” that is, the Messiah. The word is here used as a title, not as a personal name (see on Matt. 1:1).

Ellen G. White

In those days. Mark is even more definite than Matthew as to the time location of these signs in the heavens (see on Matt. 24:29).

Shall fall. See on Matt. 24:29. Vincent (Word Studies in the New Testament) calls this “a rendering which falls very far short of the graphic original.” He notes that the Greek stresses the sense of continuousness, as of a shower of falling stars. See on Rev. 6:13.

A far journey. Mark here omits most of that portion of the discourse recorded in Matt. 24:37 to 25:46.

Ellen G. White

Ye know not. See on Matt. 24:36, 44. This is the reason for being watchful, or alert. At even. The four terms here used refer to the four watches of the night, according to the Roman system then used in Palestine.