Mark 13:8

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

For nations will wage war against one another, and kingdoms will attack one another. And earthquakes will happen at various places [in the world], and there will be famines. These things are [only] the beginning of terrible times.

Cross References

Matthew 24:8

But all these things are [only] the beginning of terrible times.

Mark 13:7

And when you hear of wars [going on] and rumors of [other] wars [pending], do not worry, for such things must necessarily happen. But the end has not yet come. [Note: By “the end” here Jesus probably alludes to the downfall of Jerusalem in AD 70, with its attending destruction of the Temple buildings].

Mark 13:9

“But pay attention to yourselves, for people will turn you over to [Jewish] councils [i.e., for judgment] and you will be beaten in synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings for being loyal to me. [This will afford you an opportunity] for witnessing to them.

Acts 11:28

One of them, a man named Agabus, stood up and indicated by [the direction of] the Holy Spirit that there was going to be a severe worldwide famine, which [actually] took place during the time that Claudius ruled.

1 Thessalonians 5:3

[For] when people are saying, “Peace,” and “Safety,” then [is when] destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not be able to escape it.

Revelation 6:4

Then another horse came out; it was a red one, and the man riding on it was given [the ability] to take peace from the earth so that people would kill one another. And he was given a large sword.