Thirdmill Study Bible

Notes on Mark 16:17-20

Signs - Mark 16:17-18

All of the signs that are predicted here are reported later in the rest of the New Testament. These signs accompany all believers. The words in my name are placed at the beginning of the sentence to give them emphasis. These signs are presented as promises of Jesus' continuing powerful presence with his people, not as commands. For example, Christ followers are promised protection (Acts 28:3-6).

Snake handling - Mark 16:18

They are not commanded to pick up snakes, so there is no justification for snake handling in these verses.

Seated at the right hand - Mark 16:19

The description of Jesus seated at the right hand exalts him to the place of ultimate authority in the universe. See 14:62 and other similar New Testament affirmations such as Acts 2:33; Eph. 1:20-23; Phil. 2:9-11. See WCF 8.4; WLC 51; WSC 28; BC 35.

Early Church history - Mark 16:20

This verse goes further into the history of the early Church than any of the other gospels. The preaching ministries of the disciples are elsewhere reported in the Book of Acts. In those reports they are carrying out the ministries to which Jesus had called them in Mark 1:17.

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