Mark 13:10

Mark 13:10, in plain English

But before the end comes, Jesus said, the good news must be shared with every nation on earth. The mission comes first.

Why it's here

Even in the middle of talking about suffering, Jesus kept the focus on purpose. The world needs to hear the gospel, and that mission must be completed.

Who's speaking

Jesus declares the scope of the gospel mission.

Where it sits in the story

There's something hopeful about this. Even amid chaos, God has a plan — and His followers have a role to play in it.

The scholarly reading

The universal proclamation of the gospel to 'all nations' (Greek: panta ta ethne) is presented as a necessary prerequisite (dei, 'must') before the end comes.

Language and setting

This verse establishes the missionary mandate as an eschatological necessity, linking the timing of the end to the completion of the worldwide gospel mission.

Voice

Jesus declares the global scope of the gospel mission.

Significance

Amid warnings of persecution and tribulation, Jesus inserts the positive imperative of the church's mission: the gospel must reach every people group before the culmination.

8Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, as well as famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.

9So be on your guard. You will be delivered over to the councils and beaten in the synagogues. On My account you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them.

10And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all the nations.

11But when they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand what to say. Instead, speak whatever you are given at that time, for it will not be you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

12Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rise against their parents and have them put to death.

Read all of Mark 13 — Jesus sits on the Mount of Olives and describes the end of the age. His final command is simple and relentless: stay alert.