Mark 13:9 Commentary and Bible Study

The gospel age will also be a time of persecution for Christians. Luke adds that this will be ‘before all these things’, that is, before nation rising against nation, and earthquakes and famines, and other signs which are the beginnings of sorrows. Christ’s disciples will face persecution and be hated because of their connection with him. Many will be handed over to the authorities and some will even be killed, not for doing anything wrong but simply because they belong to Christ. ‘Take heed to yourselves’, the Lord tells them, not because there is any way of avoiding this – he is saying it will certainly happen – but because when it happens, they must be careful to have a testimony. We have a twofold ministry. When the apostle Paul was brought before Felix and Festus, he gave his testimony, he spoke of Christ. The first purpose of our speaking is to witness to people that they may be saved. The second purpose is to witness to them, that they may be judged. They must be told. And when you are hauled up before authorities, you tell them how Christ has dealt with you, and you tell them of him. Luke says, ‘And it shall turn to you for a testimony’ (Luke 21:13). Little do they realise this, but those authorities are exactly where God wants them, and he has put them there to hear a testimony from those they think they have power over. It may bring about their salvation, and if not, when they stand in judgment, it will be a witness against them.