What does Mark 13:17 mean?
The warnings to flee Jerusalem applied to the Roman siege in AD 70, but much more so to the end times. Before the midpoint of the tribulation, it's apparent that Judaism will have somewhat of a renewal. Israel will have a treaty with her enemies (Daniel 9:27). The temple will be rebuilt and sacrifices will resume. But after three and a half years, the Antichrist will show his true colors. He will make an image for the world to worship (Revelation 13:14). His abominations will desolate the practice of Judaism (Daniel 9:27). But Jesus promises that if they are paying attention, the people in Judea will have time to flee (Mark 13:14).This verse has made some afraid to get pregnant and have children. Such fear reveals the dangers of taking Scripture out of context. The warning is for inhabitants of Israel during the tribulation. It will naturally be difficult for those who are pregnant or have infants to flee the area and attempt to find shelter and provision in the mountains. But this warning has nothing to do with those of us who are not in this situation. The church will be raptured before the tribulation begins, and most of the world doesn't live in Israel, anyway.
Another verse with a similar issue is Paul's suggestion to remain unmarried in 1 Corinthians 7:25–40. Some modern-day believers think this means God doesn't want us to marry, but that's not what the passage says. At that time, around AD 55, in Corinth, in southern Greece, Paul suggests that people may not want to get married. If they do, that's fine. But nine years from Nero's persecution against Christians and even certain Romans, at a time where spreading the gospel and planting churches was especially vital, getting married might be optional.
