What does Mark 16:18 mean?

Explanation

Mark 16:18 is part of the longer ending of the Gospel of Mark and contains several promises that Jesus is reported to have made to His followers. These miraculous signs are intended to accompany believers.

The verse includes the ability to handle serpents without harm, remain unaffected by poison, and heal the sick by laying hands on them.

The literal interpretation suggests that these are supernatural abilities given to the believers as a testament to their faith and the power of God working through them.

The deeper meaning could be perceived as the triumph of the spiritual power of Jesus' followers over physical threats, and the continuation of His ministry of healing and deliverance through His disciples.

Historical Context

Mark 16:18 is part of a passage that is considered by many scholars to be a later addition to the original text of Mark's Gospel.

Early manuscripts such as Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus do not include verses 9-20.

Regardless, by the time the King James Version was translated, these verses were widely accepted as canonical.

The context of the verse is Jesus' instruction to His disciples following His resurrection and before His ascension.

The cultural context involves a society where handling serpents and being exposed to poisons were not uncommon, and miraculous healings were seen as a sign of divine authority.

Theological Insights

Within Christian theology, there are different interpretations of Mark 16:18.

Some view these signs as specific to the apostolic age, given to the early church as a means to establish credibility and spread the Gospel.

Others see these promises as continuing gifts to the church, suggesting that such miracles can still occur among believers.

Pentecostal and charismatic movements are particularly likely to embrace a continuationist viewpoint, whereas cessationist traditions maintain that these miraculous gifts ceased with the apostolic era.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, some modern-day Christians might approach this verse with caution, interpreting the handling of serpents and drinking poison not as literal injunctions, but as metaphors for overcoming danger or spiritual opposition through faith.

They might apply the principle of laying hands on the sick as a call to pray for the ill and trust in God's power to heal, whether supernaturally or through medical means.

This verse can be understood as an encouragement to face challenges with faith and as a reminder of the protective and healing power available to believers.

Cross-References

• Luke 10:19: "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you."
• Acts 28:3-6: "And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand...he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm."
• James 5:14-15: "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up."

Language Study

The key words from Mark 16:18 in its original Greek text are:

• "οφεις" (ophis) which means "serpents"
• "πίωσιν" (piōsin) meaning "they may drink"
• "θανάσιμον" (thanasimon) meaning "deadly" or "deathly"
• "βλάψει" (blapsēi) translates to "it shall not hurt them"
• "επιθήσουσιν" (epithēsousin) "they shall lay upon" (hands)

The use of these particular words emphasizes the literal idea of interaction with deadly creatures and substances, and the authority to perform healing.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Ancient cultures often recorded stories of their holy persons performing miracles, including healing the sick and surviving deadly encounters. Such accounts are found across various religions and mythologies, suggesting a shared human fascination with the transcending of natural limitations.

However, in the context of Mark 16:18, these feats are specifically connected to faith in Jesus Christ and the proclamation of the Christian Gospel.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, the handling of snakes and consumption of poison without harm contradicts known medical understanding.

However, there are cases where individuals develop immunity to certain toxins.

The medical community widely regards faith and spirituality as positive factors in health and healing, although miraculous healing as described in Mark 16:18 goes beyond what can be explained by science.

Scientifically, such events are considered rare, unexplained anomalies when they are reported.

Commentaries

Different Bible commentators offer varied perspectives on Mark 16:18.

Some, such as John MacArthur, argue that these verses are not part of the original Gospel and should be approached with caution.

Others, like Matthew Henry, accept the verses as canonical and offer interpretations in line with their denominational beliefs.

Pentecostal commentators might emphasize the reality of spiritual gifts today, including healing and protection from harm.

Alternatively, commentators from a cessationist background might stress the historical context of these signs as affirmations of the apostles' authority, which are not necessarily expected to continue beyond their time.