What does Mark 16:17 mean?

Explanation

[Mark 16:17] speaks of promises to believers, stating they will have the power to perform miraculous signs in the name of Jesus.

These signs are evidence of their faith and God's power working through them.

The mention of casting out devils (demons) implies authority over evil spirits, and speaking with new tongues suggests the ability to communicate in languages they previously did not know.

This verse stresses the belief in the supernatural interventions of God accompanying the proclamation of the gospel by early Christians.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Mark is widely believed to have been written in the first century, with estimates ranging from AD 50 to AD 70.

It is thought to be the earliest written gospel and is traditionally attributed to John Mark, a companion of the Apostle Peter.

During this period, the early Christian church was expanding, and believers faced severe persecution.

Miraculous signs were important as markers of divine authority, especially in a culture steeped in supernatural beliefs.

Theological Insights

From a Charismatic and Pentecostal perspective, this verse supports the continuation of spiritual gifts, such as exorcism and speaking in tongues, as norms for contemporary believers.

A cessationist viewpoint, however, may argue that such miraculous signs were unique to the apostolic age to validate the newly founded church and are not necessarily expected today.

The verse is also important in discussions around the Great Commission and the role of miracles in evangelism and affirming one's faith.

Practical Applications

Believers in various Christian denominations may interpret this verse as a call to spiritual boldness and reliance on divine power in ministries.

It encourages Christians to pray for deliverance from evil influences and to be open to the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives, including the gift of languages in mission work or spiritual contexts.

Cross-References

• Acts 2:4: "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
• Acts 16:18: "And this did she many days.

But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.

And he came out the same hour."

• 1 Corinthians 12:10: "To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:"

Language Study

The original Greek text places emphasis on two key phrases: "εκβαλούσιν δαιμόνια" (ekbalousin daimonia) meaning "they will cast out demons," which signifies an active expulsion of evil, and "γλώσσαις λαλήσουσιν καιναῖς" (glōssais lalēsousin kainais) meaning "they will speak with new tongues," indicating the miraculous speaking of languages not previously learned.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This verse can be compared to various ancient myths where individuals are endowed with supernatural abilities by the gods. The speaking in tongues aspect also bears similarity to ecstatic utterances found in many ancient religions, where adherents communicated with deities or spirits.

However, in the Christian context, these gifts serve to validate the message of Jesus Christ rather than personal enlightenment.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science is often skeptical of claims of supernatural phenomena like exorcism and speaking in unknown languages.

While psychological or neurological explanations might be offered for such events, the verse suggests occurrences that defy naturalistic explanations, calling for faith in the miraculous.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer varied interpretations of Mark 16:17.

Some conservative commentaries view it as a literal promise intended for all believers throughout history, reinforcing the expectation of supernatural signs accompanying faith.

More critical scholars caution reading the verse as a normative pattern for Christian practice, instead, understanding it within the specific historical context of the early church.

There’s also debate over the longer ending of Mark's Gospel, which includes verses 9-20, where this verse is located, as it is not present in some of the earliest manuscripts.