13:1
This chapter contains the longest recorded speech by Jesus in Mark. With its apocalyptic tone it provides controversy and difficulty in interpreting it. I must admit that the problems do not seem to me to be as great as are sometimes made out. The passage refers to both the destruction of the temple, which occurred in AD 70, and to the very end times. There are some extreme views that see it referring predominantly to one or the other. The simplest outline sees vv 5-23 as referring to the destruction of the temple, and vv 24-37 to the second coming. A slightly more complicated pattern is 5-23 and 28-31 refer to the destruction of the temple, and 24-27 and 32-37 to the second coming. Schnabel (from whom I got the above information) simplifies this structure with 5-23 to the destruction of the temple, 24-27 to the second coming, and 28-37 with the consequences to the disciples of the destruction of the temple, and the second coming of Jesus. My own view is that while some parts clearly refer to one or the other, the two are related. With a number of promises in the Bible, and things like the dedication of the temple (1 Kings 8) have both an immediate fulfilment and also look forward to the greater and complete fulfilment in Christ.
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