Apocalypse is a Greek word that means “revelation” and is defined in biblical literature as “an unveiling or unfolding of things not previously known and which could not be known apart from the unveiling.” The correlation between events that are in the future from the point of view of the speaker, but past from the reader’s perspective establishes the validity of the ensuing prophecy or the certainty that all history is under divine control….The apocalyptic predictions in Mark 13 are introduced by exchanges between Jesus and his disciples concerning the fate of the Temple: Jesus warns that the Temple will not endure (vv. 1-2) and Peter, James and John ask privately when these things will be accomplished (vv. 3-4)
Often “end times” are thought of as frightening and violent. When one hears “The Apocalypse” it might not bring comfort. With end times comes grief and sadness because “all that one knows” is turned upside down. While it is not comforting, this is not inherently bad. When political power that enslaves human beings is abolished, that is not bad. When understandings that put people into categories of “other” are challenged, that is not a bad thing either. Tomorrow in worship we will hear more about this time and the “re-ordering of power” that is presented in the Gospel of Mark as we finish our series.
When is an ending actually a beginning?
(Reference: New Interpreter’s Bible vol 8.)
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