What does Mark 16:15-20 mean?

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen." - Mark 16:15-20

Mark 16:15-20 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible reads:

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen."

This passage from the Gospel of Mark outlines Jesus' final instructions to his disciples before ascending into heaven. It serves as a call to action for believers and contains several important themes, contextual elements, and symbolic meanings.

The overarching theme of this passage is the Great Commission – the commandment from Jesus for his followers to spread the gospel throughout the world. This theme is prevalent in the New Testament, as it reflects the central mission of the Christian faith: to share the message of salvation through Jesus Christ with all people. In verse 15, Jesus instructs his disciples to "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature," emphasizing the universal scope of their mission.

The passage also emphasizes the importance of belief and baptism for salvation. Jesus declares, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved," highlighting the necessity of faith and the outward expression of that faith through baptism. Conversely, Jesus warns that "he that believeth not shall be damned," underscoring the consequence of rejecting the gospel message.

In verses 17-18, Jesus describes the signs that will accompany those who believe in him. These signs include the ability to cast out devils, speak with new tongues, take up serpents without harm, drink deadly things without being harmed, and heal the sick by laying hands on them. These miraculous signs demonstrate the supernatural power and authority given to believers through the name of Jesus. However, it is important to note that these signs are not to be pursued for the sake of spectacle or personal glory, but rather as evidence of God's presence and confirmation of the gospel message.

The passage concludes with the ascension of Jesus into heaven, where he is seated at the right hand of God. This event is significant as it marks the fulfillment of Jesus' earthly ministry and signifies his exaltation and reign over all creation. Following Jesus' departure, the disciples obediently carried out his command to preach the gospel, and the passage states that "the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following."

Symbolically, this passage represents the empowerment, commissioning, and supernatural enablement of believers to carry out the mission of spreading the gospel. The signs and miracles mentioned serve as a visible demonstration of God's power and a confirmation of the truth of the gospel message. Additionally, the ascension of Jesus serves as a reminder of his ongoing presence and involvement in the work of his followers.

In conclusion, Mark 16:15-20 contains vital instructions and promises for those who follow Jesus. It highlights the universal mandate to share the message of salvation, the importance of belief and baptism, the signs that accompany believers, and the ongoing presence and partnership of Jesus in the mission of spreading the gospel. This passage continues to serve as a source of encouragement and motivation for Christians to fulfill the Great Commission and to expect God to work through them as they obediently proclaim the good news.

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Mark 16:15-20 Artwork

Mark 16:15-20 - "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen."

Mark 16:20

Mark 15:16 - "And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band."

Mark 16:20 - "And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen."

Mark 16:15 - "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."

Mark 16:15-16 - "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."

Mark 15:20 - "And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him."

Mark 15:16-20 - "Then the soldiers led Him away into the hall called Praetorium, and they called together the whole garrison. And they clothed Him with purple; and they twisted a crown of thorns, put it on His head, and began to salute Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Then they struck Him on the head with a reed and spat on Him; and bowing the knee, they worshiped Him. And when they had mocked Him, they took the purple off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him."

"And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band." - Mark 15:16

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." - Mark 16:15

"And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen." - Mark 16:20

Acts 16:20 - "And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,"

1 Samuel 20:20 - "And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark."

Mark 15:12

Mark 16:1-2

Mark 16:6-8

Mark 16:4-5

Mark 16:6-8

Mark 16:4-5

Mark 10:13–16

Mark 16:4-5

Mark 16:6-8

Mark 3:16 - "And Simon he surnamed Peter;"

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." - Mark 16:15-16