What does Mark 13:13 mean?
John 15:18–25 expounds on the first part of this verse. Jesus' "name," here, means we are representatives of His reputation, authority, and identity. If we are citizens of the kingdom of God, it is natural that those who do not follow God would make themselves our enemies. In the same way, those who reject Jesus also reject God. Instead of fearing such rejection, we should follow the examples of those apostles who were beaten, and consider it an honor to be worthy of persecution in Jesus' name (Acts 5:17–42).To be hated by "all" is to be hated by all types of people, not literally every person in existence. The world naturally divides itself into groups with similar beliefs. We see this drastically highlighted in politics. If we truly follow Christ and hold fast to God's wisdom, those characteristics will not be reflected perfectly in any manmade group or club. The world rejects God, and every earthly, manmade interest or philosophy will ultimately have reason to hate or downplay believers.
Some Christians have the idea that once they accept Christ, all their problems will be over. This verse strongly says otherwise. Jesus warns that we should expect persecution (Matthew 5:10–12, 44; 10:23). He points out, "If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:20). Paul says, "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12).
The last part of the verse has led some to wonder about the relationship between salvation and faith. Do we have to "endure" until the very end in order to be saved? That would infer we must earn salvation—a claim the Bible denies (Acts 15:1–11; Romans 3:19–20; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8–9). Alternatively, does this mean we lose our salvation if we don't "endure"? That's not right, either, according to Scripture (John 6:37, 40; 10:28–30; 1 Corinthians 1:8). Endurance in the face of hardship is an identifier of those who are saved, not a requirement. We will know who are saved because they will endure (Romans 8:29–30; 1 John 2:19). Nothing that we face will separate us from God's love (Romans 8:38–39).
