Mark 13:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Mark 13:21
21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:
Chapter Context
Mark 13 is a action-oriented gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of judgment, worship, redemption. Written during the mid first century CE (c. 65-70 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Composed during or just after Nero's persecution when eyewitnesses were disappearing.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-37: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Mark and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Mark 13:21
21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:
Analysis
And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not—Jesus returns to the deception theme (vv. 5-6). The Greek ide (ἴδε, 'lo/behold') draws urgent attention; hōde (ὧδε, 'here') and ekei (ἐκεῖ, 'there') indicate localized messianic claims. False teachers will direct people to specific locations or individuals claiming Christ's presence. Jesus commands: mē pisteuete (μὴ πιστεύετε, 'do not believe')—absolute prohibition.
Why? Christ's return will be unmistakable, universal, visible to all (v. 26; Revelation 1:7—'every eye shall see him'). No one will need to point Him out; His appearing will be self-evident as lightning (Matthew 24:27). Any localized, secretive, cult-like claim ('Christ is in the desert,' 'Christ is in the inner chambers') is false. This guards against deception: when Christ returns, you'll know—no announcement needed. False teachers exploit credulity, claiming secret knowledge or special revelation. Christians must test claims against Scripture (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1).
Historical Context
AD 66-70 witnessed messianic pretenders claiming to deliver Israel from Rome. Josephus names several. After AD 70, various figures claimed messianic authority: Simon bar Kokhba (AD 132, led revolt, proclaimed Messiah by Rabbi Akiva, failed); medieval figures like Sabbatai Zevi (17th century); modern cult leaders (Jim Jones, David Koresh, Sun Myung Moon) claiming Christ returned in them. Each fulfilled Jesus' warning. Christian history includes movements claiming Christ returned secretly (Jehovah's Witnesses claim 1914 invisible return; some Adventist groups claim secret rapture occurred). All contradict Jesus' clear teaching: His return will be public, visible, unmistakable. Vigilance against false christs remains necessary. Test claims by Scripture; reject secret, localized messianic assertions.
Reflection
- Why does Jesus emphasize His return will be unmistakable rather than localized, secretive, or requiring announcement?
- What makes Christians vulnerable to false christs' deception—and how does Scripture knowledge protect against it?
- How do modern cults and movements fulfill Jesus' warning about localized messianic claims—and what's the proper Christian response?
Word Studies
- Believe: πιστεύω (Pisteuo) G4100 - To believe, trust, have faith
Cross-References
- References Christ: Matthew 24:5, Luke 21:8