Mar 13:33-37 | JFB | STEP | 33. Take ye heed, watch and pray; for ye know not when the time is.

‏ Mark 13:33-37

33. Take ye heed, watch and pray; for ye know not when the time is.

34. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, &c.--The idea thus far is similar to that in the opening part of the parable of the talents (Mt 25:14, 15).

and commanded the porter--the gatekeeper.

to watch--pointing to the official duty of the ministers of religion to give warning of approaching danger to the people.

35. Watch ye therefore; for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning--an allusion to the four Roman watches of the night.

36. Lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping--See on Lu 12:35-40; Lu 12:42-46.

37. And what I say unto you--this discourse, it will be remembered, was delivered in private.

I say unto all, Watch--anticipating and requiring the diffusion of His teaching by them among all His disciples, and its perpetuation through all time.