HarperCollins Study Bible

by Harold W. Attridge

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  a Gk I am

  b Gk gospel

  c Or the Christ

  d Or christs

  e Or it

  f Other ancient authorities add and pray

  13.1–37 Cf. Mt 24.1–44; Lk 21.5–33. Introduced by a prophecy of the temple’s destruction (vv. 1–4), Jesus’ speech about the end of the age (vv. 5–37) has some similarities with the “farewell addresses” of the patriarchs to their sons and of biblical leaders to their followers (see Gen 49.1–33; Deut 33.1–29; Josh 23.1–24.30; Tob 14.3–11; Jn 14.1–17.26; Acts 20.18–35).

  13.1 Josephus (War 5.184–227) corroborates the massive structure of the temple; see also note on 11.11.

  13.2 Predictions of the earlier temple’s ruin were made by OT prophets (Jer 26.6, 18; Mic 3.12).

  13.3 Mount of Olives opposite the temple. See Ezek 11.23; see also note on 11.1. Peter, James, John, and Andrew. See note on 5.37. Privately. See note on 4.10.

  13.5–6 The many who will come are either people claiming to be Jesus or, more likely, those who claim to be the messiah of Israel and to exercise the power and authority that, from the point of view of Mark, only the risen Jesus has. Such military leaders with royal aspirations appeared during the Jewish war with Rome in the late 60s CE.

  13.7 By divine decree this must take place (see Dan 2.28–29; note on 8.31); but the end is still to come (see 2 Thess 2.1–12).

  13.8 The images here are common in prophetic portents (2 Chr 15.6; Isa 13.13; 14.30; 19.2; Jer 22.23; Rev 6.8; 11.13; 16.18).

  13.9 Hand you over (also v. 11), or betray (v. 12). See note on 9.31. Councils, lit. “sanhedrins,” i.e., local Jewish courts; see Mt 10.17–18; cf. Mk 14.55. Beaten. See also Deut 25.1–3; 2 Cor 11.24.

  13.10 Good news. See note on 1.1. Proclaimed to all nations (see also 11.17), an OT theme (Isa 49.6; 52.10) with NT adaptations (Mk 16.20; Rom 1.5, 8–17; 11.11–32; Eph 3.1–10).

  13.11 See also Mt 10.19–20; Lk 12.11–12; Jn 14.26. At that time, lit. “in that hour” see note on 13.32. Holy Spirit. See notes on 1.8; 12.36.

  13.12 A stock apocalyptic motif (cf. Mic 7.6; 2 Esd 6.24), yet such divisions within families apparently occurred among first-century Christians; see Jn 9.18–23; 16.2.

  13.13 Hated by all because of my name. See also Mt 10.21–22; Jn 15.18–21. On enduring to the end, see Rev 2.10.

  13.14 Mark implies that the prophecy of the desolating sacrilege in Dan 9.27;11.31; 12.11 is about to be fulfilled. The expected event is probably the setting up of a statue of the emperor in the temple, i.e., that after their victory in the war, the Romans would actually do what Caligula had attempted in 39–40 CE. Fleeing to the mountains recalls the flight of Lot and his family from Sodom in Gen 19.17 (cf. Rev 11.8).

  13.15–17 Cf. Lk 17.31; 23.29.

  13.18 In winter, when travel was impeded by heavy rains.

  13.19 Unparalleled tribulation was sometimes expected to precede the end; see Dan 12.1; Rev 7.14.

  13.20 In the OT the elect (also vv. 22, 27), whom he chose, is Israel (Ps 105.6; Isa 42.1; 43.20; 65.9). In works of the Second Temple period, such as the book of Enoch and some of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the elect are the remnant of Israel, the few who have not turned away from God. The perspective of the NT is analogous; the elect are the few who have responded to God’s initiatives through John the Baptist and Jesus (Lk 18.7; Rom 8.33; Eph 1.4–5; Col 3.12; 2 Tim 2.10; 1 Pet 1.2; 2.9).

  13.21 Cf. Lk 17.23.

  13.22 Signs and omens of false prophets. See also Deut 13.1–3; Mt 7.15–23; 2 Thess 2.9–10; Rev 19.20.

  13.24–25 See 15.33; Isa 13.10; 34.4; 50.2–3; Ezek 32.7–8; Joel 2.10, 31; Am 8.9; 2 Esd 5.4–5; 2 Pet 3.12; Rev 6.12–14.

  13.26 The Son of Man coming in clouds. Cf. Dan 7.13–14; Rev 1.7; see also notes on 2.10; 8.38.

  13.27 The ingathering of God’s dispersed elect is a pervasive biblical hope; see, e.g., Isa 11.11, 16; Ezek 39.25–29; Zech 10.6–12; Tob 13.13; Bar 5.5–9; 1 Thess 4.15–17. From the ends…heaven. Cf. Deut 13.7; 30.3–4.

  13.28–37 The sayings in these verses are linked by catchwords (see notes on 9.42–50; 11.22–25): these things (vv. 29–30); pass away (vv. 30–31); gates (or “doors”), doorkeeper (vv. 29, 34); beware, watch, keep awake (vv. 33–35, 37).

  13.28–31 An argument supporting imminent expectation.

  13.28 Fig tree. Cf. 11.12–14, 20–21. Lesson, lit. “parable” see note on 3.23. Here the “parable” is an illustration used in the service of an argument.

  13.29 He, probably the Son of Man (v. 26), who is expected to come soon.

  13.30 See also 9.1. Truly I tell you. See note on 3.28. This generation. See note on 8.12.

  13.31 Variants of this saying are preserved in Mt 5.18; Lk 16.17.

  13.32–36 An argument for watchfulness in light of the indefinite imminence of the coming of the Son of Man.

  13.32 That day (also 14.25), the day of the coming of the Son of Man, which is presumably also “the day of the LORD” see Isa 2.12; Jer 46.10; Ezek 30.2–3; Am 5.18–20; Zeph 1.14–18. That…hour, God’s appointed time for the consummation of the age (see note on 1.15; see also 13.11; 14.35; Dan 8.17, 19; 11.35, 40, 45). Only here in Mark is Jesus called simply the Son (cf. note on 1.1; see also Mt 11.27; Lk 10.22).

  13.33–36 Several NT texts elaborate the themes of vigilance and accountability (14.32–42; Mt 24.37–51; 25.13–30; Lk 12.35–46; 19.11–27; see also Rom 13.11–14; 1 Thess 5.1–11).

  13.35 The Romans reckoned four nocturnal watches: evening, midnight, cockcrow, and dawn (see also note on 6.48).

  13.37 Here the Markan Jesus seems to address Markan audiences as well as the four disciples mentioned in v. 3. This saying concludes both the parable about the man going on a journey (vv. 34–36) as well as the speech of Jesus as a whole (vv. 5–37).

  Mark 14

  The Plot to Kill Jesus

  1It was two days before the Passover and the festival of Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to arrest Jesusa by stealth and kill him; 2for they said, “Not during the festival, or there may be a riot among the people.”

  The Anointing at Bethany

  3While he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper,b as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head. 4But some were there who said to one another in anger, “Why was the ointment wasted in this way? 5For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii,c and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her. 6But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. 7For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish; but you will not always have me. 8She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. 9Truly I tell you, wherever the good newsd is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.”

  Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus

  10Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. 11When they heard it, they were greatly pleased, and promised to give him money. So he began to look for an opportunity to betray him.

  The Passover with the Disciples

  12On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, his disciples said to him, “Where do you want us to go and make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?” 13So he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him, 14and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks, Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 15He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.” 16So the disciples set out and went to the city, and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.

  17When it was eve
ning, he came with the twelve. 18And when they had taken their places and were eating, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” 19They began to be distressed and to say to him one after another, “Surely, not I?” 20He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping breade into the bowlf with me. 21For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.”

  The Institution of the Lord’s Supper

  22While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. 24He said to them, “This is my blood of theg covenant, which is poured out for many. 25Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

  Peter’s Denial Foretold

  26When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27And Jesus said to them, “You will all become deserters; for it is written,

  ‘I will strike the shepherd,

  and the sheep will be scattered.’

  28But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 29Peter said to him, “Even though all become deserters, I will not.” 30Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, this day, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” 31But he said vehemently, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And all of them said the same.

  Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

  32They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. 34And he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.” 35And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36He said, “Abba,h Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.” 37He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? 38Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial;i the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. 41He came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”

  The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

  43Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; and with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. 44Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” 45So when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. 46Then they laid hands on him and arrested him. 47But one of those who stood near drew his sword and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 48Then Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? 49Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled.” 50All of them deserted him and fled.

  51A certain young man was following him, wearing nothing but a linen cloth. They caught hold of him, 52but he left the linen cloth and ran off naked.

  Jesus before the Council

  53They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled. 54Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire. 55Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. 56For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. 57Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying, 58“We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’” 59But even on this point their testimony did not agree. 60Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?” 61But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah,j the Son of the Blessed One?” 62Jesus said, “I am; and

  ‘you will see the Son of Man

  seated at the right hand of the Power,’

  and ‘coming with the clouds of heaven.’”

  63Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? 64You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?” All of them condemned him as deserving death. 65Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” The guards also took him over and beat him.

  Peter Denies Jesus

  66While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came by. 67When she saw Peter warming himself, she stared at him and said, “You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.” 68But he denied it, saying, “I do not know or understand what you are talking about.” And he went out into the forecourt.k Then the cock crowed.l 69And the servant-girl, on seeing him, began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” 70But again he denied it. Then after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them; for you are a Galilean.” 71But he began to curse, and he swore an oath, “I do not know this man you are talking about.” 72At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him, “Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.

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  a Gk him

  b The terms leper and leprosy can refer to several diseases

  c The denarius was the usual day’s wage for a laborer

  d Or gospel

  e Gk lacks bread

  f Other ancient authorities read same bowl

  g Other ancient authorities add new

  h Aramaic for Father

  i Or into temptation

  j Or the Christ

  k Or gateway

  l Other ancient authorities lack Then the cock crowed

  14.1–16.8 Jesus’ apprehension (14.1–52); trials, execution, and burial (14.53–15.47); and resurrection (16.1–8).

  14.1–11 Cf. Mt 26.1–16; Lk 22.1–6. The anointing of Jesus (vv. 3–9; cf. Lk 7.36–50; Jn 12.1–8) is illuminated against a conspiracy for his arrest (vv. 1–2, 10–11; see also note on 2.1–12).

  14.1 Two days before, apparently 13 Nisan (the period March–April). Passover, the annual celebration of God’s liberation of Israel from captivity (Ex 12.1–13.16) on 15 Nisan, was, by the first century CE, conjoined with the seven-day harvest festival of Unleavened Bread (2 Chr 35.17; Ezek 45.21–24). The plot, hinted at in 3.6 and desired in 11.18; 12.12, begins to unfold here, as instigated by the chief priests and the scribes (see notes on 1.22; 8.31; cf. Jn 11.45–57).

  14.2 The concern of the chief priests and scribes was that Jesus’ arrest happen not during the festival, i.e., not openly and publicly at a time when pilgrims crowded Jerusalem and its environs. Jesus’ arrest does occur on Passover evening (vv. 12–50), but secretly or by stealth.

  14.3 Bethany. See note on 11.1. Leper. See note on 1.40. Nard, spikenard, a fragrant ointment or perfume; see also Song 1.12; 4.13–14. Poured the ointment on his head, suggesting royal anointing (see 1 Sam 10.1; 2 Kings 9.6).

  14.5 The disciples quite reasonably think of helping the poor (cf. 10.21). For a laborer, more than three hundred denarii was almost a full year’s wages; see note on 6.37. Scolded. See note on 1.43, where the Gree
k word is translated sternly warning.

  14.7 See also Deut 15.11; Mk 2.19–20.

  14.8 She has anointed…burial. See 16.1; cf. Jn 19.38–40.

  14.9 See also 13.10. Truly I tell you. See note on 3.28.

  14.10 Judas Iscariot. See note on 3.19a. Chief priests. See note on 15.1. Though its content and motivation are unspecified in Mark, the plan to betray (or “hand over”) Jesus and others is a recurring theme; see note on 9.31.

  14.12–21 Cf. Mt 26.17–25; Lk 22.7–14; cf. Jn 13.21–30. Preparation for Passover (vv. 12–16) and prediction of betrayal (vv. 17–21).

  14.12 The first day of Unleavened Bread (usually 15 Nisan) seems to be confused here with 14 Nisan, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed. The confusion may be due to different ways of defining a “day.” The biblical day, the day of ancient Israel, was reckoned from morning to morning. At some point in the Second Temple period, the day began to be calculated from evening to evening. Ordinary people everywhere in antiquity normally defined a day as from morning to evening, and Mark may be using the latter convention to communicate with as wide an audience as possible. See also note on 14.1; cf. Ex 12.1–20; Jn 18.28; 19.14, 31.

  14.13–16 Similar wording and the motif of Jesus’ foreknowledge also characterize 11.1–6; cf. 1 Sam 10.1–9.