Mark 16:17 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

NIV: And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

NASB: These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues;

CSB: And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

NLT: These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages.

KJV: And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

NKJV: And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;

Mark 16:9–20 is not found in the most reliable manuscripts, but most of the text is included in other books. Some phrases, however, are only corroborated obliquely. Although Jesus had endowed the disciples with the ability to cast out demons in the past (Mark 6:13), and they will cast out demons and speak in new languages in the future, we have no other evidence He said these words to them.

In the beginning years of the church, casting out demons was a common miracle that identified the speaker as a follower of Jesus (Acts 5:16; 8:7; 19:12). In one case, Paul cast out a demon just because it was irritating him (Acts 16:18).

There's no record that the disciples had spoken in languages they didn't know before this point, but on Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit comes to them, they will (Acts 2:1–13). They will be in Jerusalem, along with Jews from all over the Roman Empire. The people will hear the disciples explaining the gospel in the languages of the Parthians, Medes, Mesopotamians, Egyptians, Libyans, and Romans, among others. This is not the gibberish that some call the "gift of tongues." It is real languages that the speakers honestly don't know. Jesus had already promised the disciples would receive guidance on what to say when brought before hostile rulers (Mark 13:9–11), now they learn the Holy Spirit will also show them how to say it.

These powers, in addition to gifts of healing and other miracles, were common in the early church age. As with many of God's prophets, He empowered them to perform miracles so that their words would be validated. With the finalization of the canon of books determined to be inspired, we do not need miracles to affirm Jesus' words. God does still work directly in people's lives through miracles, but it is not something we should expect.

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.

Leading up to chapter 16, Jesus has been unfairly tried and executed by crucifixion. Starting in this passage, Jesus' women followers find an empty tomb, but don't know what it means. Jesus' work for our salvation is done, but explaining that to His disciples will take another forty days (Acts 1:3). And telling the world is a work that will continue until His return. The resurrection and events after are also covered in Matthew 28, Luke 24, John 20—21, and Acts 1:1–11. The most reliable copies of the Gospel of Mark leave the disciples where they have spent much of the story: confused and afraid. Jesus is risen, but they haven't yet accepted that. Everything after verse 9 is most likely a later scribal addition.

The Gospel of Mark emphasizes both Jesus' servanthood and His role as the promised Messiah: the Son of God. This is done through a concise, action-packed style. Mark provides relatively few details, instead focusing on actions and simple statements. This relates to the Gospel's authorship, which is believed to be based on the memories of the apostle Peter. These include many of Jesus' miracles, in contrast to other Gospels which include many more of Jesus' teachings and parables. Mark also makes frequent mention of Jesus' ministry being misunderstood by others.