How does Mark 16:17 connect with the gifts of the Spirit in Acts? Looking at Jesus’ Promise: Mark 16:17 “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues.” The Spirit Arrives: Highlights from Acts • Acts 2:4 – “All were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” • Acts 8:7 – “Unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed.” • Acts 10:46 – “They heard them speaking in tongues and exalting God.” • Acts 16:18 – “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her! … the spirit left her.” • Acts 19:6 – “The Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.” Tracing the Parallels • “They will speak in new tongues” → fulfilled in Acts 2, 10, 19. • “In My name they will drive out demons” → fulfilled in Acts 8, 16, 19. • Mark’s phrase “signs will accompany” is mirrored by Luke’s repeated summary lines (Acts 2:43; 5:12) that “many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.” • The promised signs flow from one source: the Holy Spirit given at Pentecost (Acts 1:8; 2:33). Why the Match Matters • Continuity: Acts shows Jesus’ words coming to pass exactly as spoken. • Authentication: The signs validate the gospel message (Hebrews 2:3-4). • Empowerment: Believers minister “in My name,” depending on the Spirit, not on personal ability (Acts 3:6). • Expansion: Tongues mark the gospel crossing cultural lines—Jerusalem (Acts 2), Gentile home (Acts 10), and far-off Ephesus (Acts 19). • Conflict: Exorcisms demonstrate Christ’s victory over the powers of darkness (Colossians 2:15). Living It Out Today • Expect God to confirm His Word when it is proclaimed (Mark 16:20). • Rely on the Spirit for boldness and discernment (Acts 4:31; 1 Corinthians 12:10). • Celebrate that the same risen Lord who spoke Mark 16:17 still builds His church through Spirit-given gifts as He chooses (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). |
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