title: Jesus, the Temple and the Coming Son of Man: A Commentary on Mark 13
author: Robert H. Stein
description: "Stein's writing style is technical and thorough, yet engaging. This work will appeal to seasoned pastors, students of biblical interpretation, and laypeople interested in better understanding Mark's eschatology." (Ben Espinoza, Bible Study Magazine, March/April 2015)<br /><br />"Eschewing atomizing scepticism on the one side and a clunky over-literalism on the other, Robert Stein now brings to bear on Mark 13 a lifetime of well-informed study and balanced reflection. Students and scholars of all theological stripes will be grateful for this much-needed guidance on what has proven to be one of the most puzzling and hermeneutically complex chapters in all of Scripture." (Nicholas Perrin, Franklin S. Dyrness Professor of Biblical Studies)<br /><br />"Throughout his stellar career, Bob Stein has written many fine works on the Gospels, always providing clarity and insight to complex issues and texts. He has done it again with <em>Jesus, the Temple and the Coming Son of Man.</em> Stein navigates the challenging and sometimes treacherous waters of Mark's Olivet Discourse with the skill and good sense of a seasoned captain." (Mark L. Strauss, Bethel Seminary San Diego)<br /><br />"In <em>Jesus, the Temple and the Coming Son of Man</em> veteran scholar and classroom teacher Robert Stein tackles the most challenging passage in the Gospels. He addresses all of the difficult questions and key issues with insight and fairness. At every point Stein demonstrates control of the primary literature and the best of modern scholarship. The result is a clear and compelling commentary, passage by passage and verse by verse. Readers will especially appreciate Stein's interpretation of verse 30's enigmatic prophecy that 'this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place.' Highly recommended." (Craig A. Evans, Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Acadia Divinity College, Nova Scotia, Canada)<br /><br />"It would be hard to find a more experienced and reliable guide to the complexities of the Markan apocalypse than Robert Stein. Conversant with the best scholarship and unrelenting in his pursuit of the Evangelist's intended meaning, Stein has produced a helpful, sensible and persuasive interpretation of Mark 13. This is a rewarding book that reflects the fruit of careful exegesis as well as reverence for the sacred text." (Donald A. Hagner, George Eldon Ladd Professor Emeritus of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary)<br /><br />"Sharp divisions have arisen over how to deal with Jesus' teaching in Mark 13. With his customary lucidity, Stein clarifies all the important issues and offers sensible, carefully argued and insightful interpretations of the text that convey 'the consciously intended meaning of Mark 13, whether of the Jesus of history or the Evangelist Mark.' Those who want to know what Jesus taught about the destruction of the temple and the last days would do well to use this book as their guide." (David E. Garland, dean and holder of the Charles J. and Eleanor McLerran Delancey Chair of the Dean, George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University)<br /><br />"The interpretation of Mark 13 is controversial and sometimes a bit baffling. Robert Steinwith his characteristic clarity, common sense and exegetical skillunpacks the meaning of the passage for readers. Even those who disagree will profit from Stein's lucid exegesis and will have to wrestle seriously with the arguments he presents for his reading. All readers will recognize the hand of a veteran and wise interpreter at work. We stand in debt to Stein for an outstanding exposition." (Thomas R. Schreiner, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary)<br /><br />"What I most appreciated about this work was the clarity and concision of writing (138 pages, excluding bibliography and indices), and the close textual work that supported his arguments. . . . A useful resource for anyone teaching or leading a study of Mark." (Bob on Books, September 7, 2015)<br /><br />"In <em>Jesus, the Temple and the Coming Son of Man</em>, Robert H. Stein . . . ably guides readers through the complex hermeneutical and exegetical issues involved in Jesus' 'Little Apocalypse' discourse." (Towers, April 2015)<br /><br />"Stein is to be commended for taking on such a daunting portion of Scripture with such extensive focus. Particular points of his analysis are well-reasoned and convincing. For anyone setting out to study the eschatological discourse, this is an indispensable resource." (Susan Rieske, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, December 2015)
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  ### CHAPTER XXIV.
  
  
  
  
  
  How It All Ended.
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  HALF an hour passed, and we heard the mob approaching the temple, chanting and
  screeching.
  
  
  
  
  
        “It will soon be over now,” the captain said.
  
  
  
  
  
        I sat in the corner, saying nothing. It was not a pleasant predicament, to say the least, and the future looked dark. Uncle Dick and Ruth Holland were standing near me, in each other’s arms.
  
  
  
  
  
        We heard the mob start to enter the temple, heard the frantic people rush from room to room below, searching for us, crying to the priests and demanding what had become of us.
  
  
  
  
  
        There was a great crowd outside in the square, waiting for us to be captured and taken out. Their cries were fearful.
  
  
  
  
  
        Suddenly, as we listened, we heard the tone of their cries change from anger to surprise, heard loud shouts and commands, and the sound of firing.
  
  
  
  
  
        “They must be fighting among themselves!” Uncle Dick said.
  
  
  
  
  
        “Pray Heaven such is the case,” t