What is the meaning of Mark 13:10? And • This little conjunction links the verse to everything Jesus has just said about future trials and testimony (Mark 13:8-9). • It keeps the flow moving: persecution is certain, yet in the same breath Jesus adds a hope-filled assignment. • Cross references show the pattern: suffering and witness go hand in hand (Acts 5:40-42; 2 Timothy 3:12). the gospel • “Gospel” means the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection, the only message that saves (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Romans 1:16). • Jesus is clear: not politics, philosophy, or mere morality—only this message. • The disciples’ task remains unchanged today: share Christ crucified and risen (Galatians 1:6-9). must • “Must” signals divine necessity, not human suggestion (John 3:7; Acts 4:12). • The spread of the gospel is woven into God’s sovereign plan; it will happen because He decrees it (Isaiah 46:9-10; Matthew 24:35). first • The proclamation precedes the end-time events Jesus describes later in the chapter (Mark 13:24-27). • This priority sets our agenda: before final judgment arrives, the message goes out (2 Peter 3:9). • It also explains the apparent “delay” of Christ’s return—God is giving space for worldwide witness (Matthew 24:14). be proclaimed • Proclamation is public, verbal, and intentional (Acts 13:38-39; Romans 10:14-15). • Every believer shares in this calling—through personal testimony, support of missions, and prayer (Philippians 1:3-5). • The verb’s passive sense highlights God’s power: He opens doors, directs messengers, and readies hearts (Colossians 4:3; Acts 16:14). to all the nations • “Nations” means every ethnic group, not political states (Revelation 7:9). • The scope is global: from Jerusalem outward (Acts 1:8) until the last unreached people hears. • God’s heart has always embraced the world (Genesis 12:3; Psalm 67:2). • Missions is not optional; it’s the inevitable outflow of the gospel itself (Romans 15:20-21). summary Jesus sets a non-negotiable agenda: before the end, the good news of His saving work must be verbally announced to every people group on earth. Persecution may rage, but God’s plan marches on. Because He has decreed it, the worldwide witness of His gospel is certain—and we get to join Him in fulfilling it, confident that His Word never fails. |
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