What does Mark 16:15 mean?
Most likely, this verse is part of a later footnote, accidentally copied as part of the text by a later scribe. This is a summary of the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19. There, Jesus says, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Jesus tells this to the disciples on a mountain in Galilee, possibly the same mountain where He first called the Twelve to follow Him (Mark 3:13–19).After this, Jesus will continue teaching until forty days have passed since the resurrection (Acts 1:3). Jesus will take His disciples back south, toward Jerusalem, and ascend into heaven near Bethany (Luke 24:50–51). Emboldened by the resurrection, the disciples will return to the temple and worship God.
In the Old Testament times and during Jesus' ministry, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit was strategic and usually temporary. The seventy elders who helped Moses lead the Jews had the Spirit and prophesied for a time (Numbers 11:25). Saul, king of Israel, had the same experience—twice (1 Samuel 10:10; 19:22–24). Even the anointing of the Holy Spirit Jesus gave the disciples after the resurrection seems to have been temporary (John 20:22).
The disciples cannot fulfill the Great Commission under their own power. They need the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit which they cannot have until Jesus leaves (John 16:7). Soon, at Pentecost, in a house in Jerusalem, the Holy Spirit will come (Acts 2:1–4). Disciples who had scattered when guards came to arrest Jesus (Mark 14:50) will welcome the chance to go to trial to testify about Jesus (Acts 4:1–31). Brash, impulsive Peter will be the first preacher of the gospel (Acts 2:14–41). And the gospel will spread throughout all the world.
"Proclaim" is from the Greek root word kerusso. Jesus' command is akin to a herald shouting out what needs to be heard. "All" is from the Greek root word pas. It can mean "each and every," or it can mean "some of all types." "Creation" is from the Greek root word ktisis, and can mean anything created or it can mean a foundation or founding a new thing. The disciples are called to preach the truth to the people and places that will start the church.
Mark 16:14–20 is not part of the oldest, most trusted manuscripts of the Bible. Most of what this passage contains is covered in Matthew 28:16–20, Luke 24:36–43, and John 20:19–29. However, there are points on which these verses are unsubstantiated. The disciples finally realize Jesus will not overthrow the Romans, and they will not rule from twelve thrones, at least not yet (Matthew 19:28). First, they have work: spreading the message that Jesus has died for the sins of the world and is risen. In this mission, they will be able to perform miracles and endure dangers that would normally kill them.
After the mandatory time of rest, several of Jesus' female followers approach His tomb intending to anoint the body. Their primary concern is who will open the tomb for them so they can honor Jesus' remains. They arrive to find the tomb open, empty, and watched over by angels. After hearing from these beings (Luke 24:4–7), the women leave in fear, speaking only to the disciples. This ends the original, God-inspired text of the Gospel of Mark. Verses 9–20 are mostly corroborated by other Scripture, but were not part of the initial writing.
