God has been seen by other generations past coming in clouds --- see: When they saw the Son of Man coming in the clouds There is nothing new about a "new world order" being established at the shaking of the heavens and the coming of God. Mark 13 should, I think, be read in the context of that long tradition.
For a list of the metaphors Jesus draws upon in Mark 13: The little apocalypse of Mark 13 – historical or creative prophecy?
I never believed that the mini apocalypse in gMark has anything to do with what Jesus did and said.
It is a total creation of gMark, which would have used any traditions in it.
Kapyong wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 13, 2018 3:40 pm
The Abomination of the Desolation (τὸ βδέλυγμα τῆς ἐρημώσεως) is arguably the best clue that points to a late date.
But a more exact clue is in gMark 13:1-3 when "Mark" had Jesus referring to the big buildings that will be destroyed stone by stone, when he is on the mount of olives, right above the temple.
These destructions happened in 70 and not in 135 (because there were no building left to be destroyed then according to Josephus' Wars). BTW, "Abomination of the Desolation" applies very well of what happened in/to Jerusalem in 70.
I have never understood what specific evidence or criteria historians have used to establish a ceiling: how late could it be?
For gMark (13:18-24), the day of the Lord was supposed to happen in
the days following the great tribulation, that is the events in Jerusalem and Judea:
Mk 13:18-24 RSV
Pray that it may not happen in winter.[the Roman invasion of Judea, the siege and destruction of Jerusalem happened in the summer: the praying was successful
]
For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never will be.
And if the Lord had not shortened the days, no human being would be saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days.
And then if any one says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'Look, there he is!' do not believe it.
False Christs and false prophets will arise and show signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.
But take heed; I have told you all things beforehand.
"But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light,
So "Mark" had Jesus predicting the fall of Jerusalem and soon after, the advent of the Kingdom.
Right for the first prediction but wrong for the second one.
If "Mark" would have written the mini apocalypse years after 70, Jesus would have been proven a false prophet or the gospel not truthful, certainly not something that "Mark" would have wanted.
"Matthew" & "Luke" changed the wording in order to say the advent of the kingdom will happen well after the fall of Jerusalem.
More details about the dating of gMark here
http://historical-jesus.info/41.html
The gospel of Matthew had to be written before 93 (when Josephus' Antiquities was published), because at that time gMatthew indicates the Pharisees had become well respected rabbis who were the new leaders of the Jewish communities, which is what Josephus wrote in his Antiquities.
More details about the dating of gMatthew here
http://historical-jesus.info/57.html
Cordially, Bernard