Meaning of Mark 16:20

This verse marks the triumphant conclusion of the Gospel of Mark, describing the immediate aftermath of Jesus' ascension. Having been commissioned by the resurrected Christ to go into all the world and preach the gospel (Mark 16:15), the disciples did not hesitate. Their mission was not one of solitary effort or human persuasion alone; it was empowered by the active presence and affirmation of the Lord himself. The phrase "the Lord worked with them" signifies a divine partnership, where God's Spirit was actively involved in their ministry, lending efficacy to their proclamation. The "signs that accompanied it" served as tangible evidence, validating the truth of their message and demonstrating the power of the kingdom of God being inaugurated through their preaching. This confirms that the Christian mission is inherently supernatural, relying on God's ongoing power to authenticate His Word.

Context and Background

Mark 16:20 is the final verse of the Gospel of Mark, following the Great Commission given by the resurrected Jesus to his disciples (Mark 16:14-18). The preceding verses detail Jesus' instructions to preach the gospel, baptize believers, and the signs that would follow those who believe, including casting out demons, speaking in new tongues, handling snakes, drinking poison without harm, and healing the sick. This verse, therefore, describes the execution of that commission and the fulfillment of the promised accompanying signs. The disciples, having initially doubted and been rebuked (Mark 16:14), now move forward with boldness and effectiveness.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Empowerment: The core message is that the disciples' ministry was not solely their own endeavor. The phrase "the Lord worked with them" emphasizes God's active participation and enablement.
• Supernatural Authentication: The "signs that accompanied it" were not mere coincidences but divine confirmations of the truth and power of the message being preached. These signs served as a visible testament to God's approval and the reality of the gospel.
• Missionary Mandate: The verse underscores the imperative of spreading the Christian message "everywhere," highlighting the universal scope of the Great Commission.
• Faithful Obedience: The disciples' action ("went out and preached") demonstrates obedience to Jesus' command, leading to God's subsequent empowerment and confirmation.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers today, Mark 16:20 is a powerful affirmation of God's continued presence and power in Christian ministry. It suggests that when believers faithfully preach the gospel and live according to its principles, God still works through them, confirming His Word. This confirmation may manifest in various ways, not necessarily identical to the specific signs listed earlier in the chapter, but always serving to authenticate the truth of God's message and His kingdom. It encourages boldness in evangelism, reminding believers that they are not alone but are co-laborers with Christ, whose power is available to validate their witness.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is a crucial concluding statement for Mark's Gospel, bridging the earthly ministry of Jesus and the ongoing work of the early church as depicted in the book of Acts and the Epistles. It exemplifies the promise of the Holy Spirit’s empowerment for witness, a theme prominent throughout the New Testament. The signs mentioned are consistent with the miraculous interventions and confirmations of God’s power seen throughout biblical history, from the Exodus to the ministries of the apostles. It reinforces the biblical understanding of God’s sovereignty and His desire to authenticate His truth through supernatural means when His people are obedient.

Analogies

One analogy for "the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs" is that of a skilled craftsman demonstrating a superior tool. The craftsman (the Lord) provides the tool (the gospel message) and uses it to perform extraordinary feats (the signs). The successful execution of these feats proves the tool's excellence and the craftsman's mastery. Another analogy is a royal decree. The messenger (the disciple) delivers the decree, and the king's seal and accompanying royal guards (the signs) authenticate its authority and the king's power behind it.

Relation to Other Verses

• Matthew 28:18-20: This parallel passage in Matthew also records the Great Commission, emphasizing Jesus' authority and His promise to be with His disciples always.
• Acts 1:8: Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will come upon believers and empower them to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth, directly correlating with the disciples preaching "everywhere."
• 1 Corinthians 2:4-5: Paul speaks of his own ministry not being in persuasive words of human wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that faith might not rest in human wisdom but in the power of God. This mirrors the confirmation of the word by signs.
• Hebrews 2:3-4: This passage explicitly states that salvation was first proclaimed by the Lord and then confirmed to us by those who heard him, "while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles, by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will." This directly echoes the sentiment of Mark 16:20.