Mar 13:22-30 | Abbott

Mark 13:22-30

This passage has given rise to much discussion among commentators. The language itself is such as seems intended to describe the final judgment at the end of the world; while the manner in which it is introduced, by the expression, "In those days," at the commencement of the 24th verse, and still more decisively the declaration in the 30th verse, seem clearly to show that the passage relates to events which took place in the time of the apostles. If this latter is the case, the language is evidently highly figurative, and is intended to exhibit in the 24th and 25th verses, the terrible commotions of the times; in the 26th, the power and energy with which the cause of Christianity was to be advanced; and in the 27th, the rapid gathering in of converts from all countries and regions. If, on the other hand, this passage is to be considered as referring to the final judgment, it becomes necessary to suppose, as some commentators have done, that the sacred writer has omitted some portion of our Savior's remarks, or transposed the order of them in such a way that this prediction seems to be included, with the rest, as the subject of the general statement in v. 30, when in fact, if the omissions were supplied, or the order restored, it would appear that it was not so. It is difficult, however, to admit the possibility of such omissions or alterations, without impeaching the faithfulness, or at least the historical infallibility, of the record.