For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in various places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
All Commentaries on Mark 13:8 Go To Mark 13
Theophylact of Ochrid
AD 1107
But before answering their question, He strengthens their minds that they may not be deceived. Wherefore there follows: “And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you? "And this He says, because when the sufferings of the Jews began, some arose professing to be teachers. Wherefore there follows: “For many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.”.
That is, the Romans against the Jews, which Josephus relates happened before the destruction of Jerusalem. For when the Jews refused to pay tribute, the Romans arose, in anger; but because at that time they were merciful, they took indeed their spoils, but did not destroy Jerusalem. What follows shows that God fought against the Jews, forit is said, “And there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines.”
