Mark 16:20 - They went out, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen.
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What does "Mark 16:20" mean?
This verse, Mark 16:20, is the very last verse of the Gospel of Mark. It summarizes the activity of the apostles after Jesus ascended to heaven, and its meaning is rich with significance:
"They went out, and preached everywhere...": This speaks to the apostles' obedience to Jesus' command to spread the Gospel (the good news of Jesus Christ) to the entire world. "Everywhere" emphasizes the universality of their mission. They didn't stay in one place; they actively traveled and shared the message of Jesus wherever they went.
"...the Lord working with them...": This highlights the role of God in the apostles' ministry. Their success wasn't due solely to their own abilities, but rather to God's active participation in their work. The Lord was empowering them, guiding them, and providing opportunities for them to share the Gospel effectively.
"...and confirming the word by the signs that followed.": This is a crucial point. "Signs" refer to supernatural or miraculous events, such as healings, exorcisms, or other displays of divine power. These signs served to validate the apostles' message and demonstrate that it was indeed from God. The signs weren't the primary purpose of their ministry; they were confirmations that God was backing up the message they were proclaiming.
"Amen.": This is a Hebrew word that means "so be it" or "truly." It signifies agreement, affirmation, and a solemn declaration that the preceding statement is true and trustworthy. It essentially seals the Gospel of Mark with an affirmation of the apostles' faithful ministry and the power of God at work in them.
In essence, the verse emphasizes that:
The apostles actively obeyed Jesus' command to spread the Gospel.
God was actively involved in their ministry, empowering them and guiding them.
God validated their message through supernatural signs, demonstrating its divine origin.
The verse affirms the truthfulness and reliability of the Gospel of Mark.
Context and Interpretation:
It's important to note that the authenticity of Mark 16:9-20 (the "longer ending" of Mark) is debated among scholars. Some believe it was not originally part of the Gospel of Mark, while others argue for its authenticity. Regardless of the debate, the themes expressed in this verse resonate with other parts of the New Testament, particularly the Book of Acts, which details the apostles' missionary journeys and the signs and wonders that accompanied their preaching.
In summary, Mark 16:20 is a powerful statement about the spread of the Gospel, the power of God, and the role of the apostles in fulfilling Jesus' mission. It affirms the validity of their message through the supernatural signs that accompanied their ministry.
Mark 16:20 - They went out, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen.
What does "Mark 16:20" mean?
This verse, Mark 16:20, is the very last verse of the Gospel of Mark. It summarizes the activity of the apostles after Jesus ascended to heaven, and its meaning is rich with significance:
"They went out, and preached everywhere...": This speaks to the apostles' obedience to Jesus' command to spread the Gospel (the good news of Jesus Christ) to the entire world. "Everywhere" emphasizes the universality of their mission. They didn't stay in one place; they actively traveled and shared the message of Jesus wherever they went.
"...the Lord working with them...": This highlights the role of God in the apostles' ministry. Their success wasn't due solely to their own abilities, but rather to God's active participation in their work. The Lord was empowering them, guiding them, and providing opportunities for them to share the Gospel effectively.
"...and confirming the word by the signs that followed.": This is a crucial point. "Signs" refer to supernatural or miraculous events, such as healings, exorcisms, or other displays of divine power. These signs served to validate the apostles' message and demonstrate that it was indeed from God. The signs weren't the primary purpose of their ministry; they were confirmations that God was backing up the message they were proclaiming.
"Amen.": This is a Hebrew word that means "so be it" or "truly." It signifies agreement, affirmation, and a solemn declaration that the preceding statement is true and trustworthy. It essentially seals the Gospel of Mark with an affirmation of the apostles' faithful ministry and the power of God at work in them.
In essence, the verse emphasizes that:
The apostles actively obeyed Jesus' command to spread the Gospel.
God was actively involved in their ministry, empowering them and guiding them.
God validated their message through supernatural signs, demonstrating its divine origin.
The verse affirms the truthfulness and reliability of the Gospel of Mark.
Context and Interpretation:
It's important to note that the authenticity of Mark 16:9-20 (the "longer ending" of Mark) is debated among scholars. Some believe it was not originally part of the Gospel of Mark, while others argue for its authenticity. Regardless of the debate, the themes expressed in this verse resonate with other parts of the New Testament, particularly the Book of Acts, which details the apostles' missionary journeys and the signs and wonders that accompanied their preaching.
In summary, Mark 16:20 is a powerful statement about the spread of the Gospel, the power of God, and the role of the apostles in fulfilling Jesus' mission. It affirms the validity of their message through the supernatural signs that accompanied their ministry.