Mark 13

Chap. XIII. ver. 1. And as he went out &c.] Respecting this chapter, see further notes at Matt. xxiv.

Mark 13:2

2. — Peter and James &c.] St. Matthew mentions in general terms that “the disciples” came to Him, Matt. xxiv. 3.

3. — when shall these things be? It is clear that these words refer to the destruction of the temple, of which Jesus had just been discoursing. St. Matthew, chap. xxiv. 3, gives the expression, “What shall be the sign of Thy coming?” which has a parallel sense; and

Mark 13:3

3. — ointment of spikenard] “Spikenard, or nard, is a plant growing in the East, whose root is very small and slender; it puts forth a long small stalk, and has several ears or spikes even with the ground, whence it has the name of spikenard.” Calmet.

— she brake the box,] It is probably meant, that Anno DOMINI 53.

Mark 13:6

6. — Take heed lest any man &c.] The account of this discourse, as given by St. Matthew, is larger and more regular, as to the order of it, than that here given by St. Mark. Bp. Pearce.

Mark 13:11

11. — take no thought beforehand] See notes at Matt. x. 19. L 2 The manner of Christ’s coming to judgment. S. MARK. A conspiracy against him. Anno DOMINI 52. and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.

Mark 13:33

33. Take ye heed,] Take heed that ye be not surprised and overtaken by that time, which is ever most uncertain. Abp. Tillotson.

Mark 13:34

34. — gave authority to his servants,] Gave to the chief and most trusty of his slaves power over the rest. Abp. Newcome.

Mark 13:35

35. — at even or at midnight, &c.] As the Jews in our Saviour’s time divided the night into four periods or watches, allusion is made to these, in the expressions here used by our Saviour; the evening watch, or nine o’clock; midnight; three o’clock in the morning; and six in the morning. Bp. Pearce.

Chap. XIV. ver. 1. After two days &c.] Respecting this chapter, see notes at Matt. xxvi.

Mark 13:39

39. — of that day and that hour] Of the precise time when the destruction now foretold was to happen. Dr. Lightfoot.

— knoweth no man, — not the angels — neither the Son,] For the explanation of this, see what our blessed Saviour says at Acts 1. 7: this was one of the times and the seasons which the Father put into His own power, and it formed no part of the revelation which the Son was to reveal unto the world. Bp. Mann. Our Saviour is pleased to tell them this, in order to preclude the curiosity of men, and to engage their vigilance. Dr. Hammond.

— neither the Son,] That is, the Son of man, the Messiah, considered as the servant and Messenger of the Father, and as receiving commands and authority from Him. The knowledge of Jesus, considered in His human capacity, was not infinite; and it appears from Luke n. 52, that He “increased” in wisdom as in stature. Dr. Lightfoot, Beamsobre.

Christ here speaks of Himself as the Son of man, who, as such, was ignorant of many things, and received by degrees all necessary knowledge. As it was after His resurrection that all power was given unto

house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.