“And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,”
As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately — the Mount of Olives setting is eschatologically significant (Zechariah 14:4) and provides the physical vantage point from which the temple is visible across the Kidron Valley. The private question is from the inner three (Peter, James, John) plus Andrew — the same group as in the raising of Jairus's daughter. The private asking follows the Mark pattern: public teaching, private clarification.
Church Fathers on Mark 13:3
Because the Lord, when some were praising the buildings of the temple, had plainly answered that all these were to be destroyed, the disciples privately enquired about the time and the signs of the destruction which was foretold.
In answer to the disciples, the Lord tells them of things which were from that time forth to have their course; whether He meant the destruction of Jerusalem which occasioned their question, or His own coming through the Church, (in which He ever comes even unto the end, for we know that He comes in His own, when His members are born day by day,) or the end itself, in which He will appear to judge the quick and the dead.
But before answering their question, He strengthens their minds that they may not be deceived.
Read all 6 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
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