Confirmation of the Gospel: Mark 16:20
“16) And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word by the signs that followed. Mark 16:20
In most versions of the Bible, Mark 16:9-20 are in brackets. Some older manuscripts do not include these verses. The brackets are there to notify the reader.
However, the truths contained in these verses are taught in many other places in the New Testament. Therefore, I have no problem believing and teaching them.
The fact that they may have been added later only validates the notion that signs and wonders continued beyond the apostles. These signs were intended to confirm the preaching of the gospel. That’s what Acts 1:8 promises.
I find no place in the New Testament where this “power” or these signs and confirmation ended. To the contrary, in Matthew 28:18-20 when Jesus gave His authority to His disciples, He promised it would be with them to the end of the age. We are still in the church age! This is still the age of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The harvest is still ripe and plentiful.
And so the Gospel of Mark comes to an end by making the point that believers should live, walk and minister in divine power and authority while God confirms the message with signs that follow. We should expect the power of God to show up as we engaged in world evangelism. Seeking this divine confirmation should be foremost in our praying. (See Acts 4:29-31)
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
“16) And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word by the signs that followed. Mark 16:20
In most versions of the Bible, Mark 16:9-20 are in brackets. Some older manuscripts do not include these verses. The brackets are there to notify the reader.
However, the truths contained in these verses are taught in many other places in the New Testament. Therefore, I have no problem believing and teaching them.
The fact that they may have been added later only validates the notion that signs and wonders continued beyond the apostles. These signs were intended to confirm the preaching of the gospel. That’s what Acts 1:8 promises.
I find no place in the New Testament where this “power” or these signs and confirmation ended. To the contrary, in Matthew 28:18-20 when Jesus gave His authority to His disciples, He promised it would be with them to the end of the age. We are still in the church age! This is still the age of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The harvest is still ripe and plentiful.
And so the Gospel of Mark comes to an end by making the point that believers should live, walk and minister in divine power and authority while God confirms the message with signs that follow. We should expect the power of God to show up as we engaged in world evangelism. Seeking this divine confirmation should be foremost in our praying. (See Acts 4:29-31)
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
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