What does Mark 16:17 mean by "signs" that will accompany believers? The Text: Mark 16:17–18 “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well.” The Greek Term “Signs” (σημεῖα, sēmeia) In Scripture a sēmeion is a miraculous act that points beyond itself to God’s power and character (John 20:30-31). It is not entertainment, but divine authentication, calling observers to repentance and faith. Context within Mark’s Gospel The risen Christ addresses disciples who had just doubted the women’s testimony (Mark 16:14). The “signs” are Christ’s pledge that His ongoing presence will verify the gospel proclamation (16:15). The list parallels the apostolic experience in Acts, showing the text’s coherence with the rest of Scripture. Authenticity of the Longer Ending (Mk 16:9-20) • Patristic citation: Irenaeus (c. 180 AD) quotes v.19 (Against Heresies 3.10.5). • Early harmony: Tatian’s Diatessaron (c. 170 AD) includes vv.17-18. • Manuscript weight: The vast majority of Greek MSS, Latin Vulgate, Syriac Peshitta, and Codex Alexandrinus (5th cent.) all carry vv.9-20. • Internal consistency: Vocabulary and theology fit Mark’s emphasis on authority and discipleship. Purpose of the Signs 1. Confirmation of the apostolic message (Hebrews 2:3-4). 2. Compassion toward human need (Mark 1:41; Acts 3:6-8). 3. Confrontation of demonic and natural evil, proving Christ’s cosmic Lordship (Colossians 2:15). 4. Commissioning the Church until Christ’s return (Matthew 28:20). Catalog of the Promised Signs 1. Expulsion of Demons • Biblical examples: Luke 8:26-39; Acts 16:18. • Continuance: Documented deliverances such as the 1980 Manila “Bata’an” case, medically observed, where prayer in Christ’s name terminated convulsions and multilingual profanity. • Function: Liberates individuals and demonstrates the defeat of Satan (1 John 3:8). 2. Speaking in New Tongues • Acts 2:4, 10:46, 19:6 show xenolalia and glossolalia. • Verified modern instances: Wycliffe-trained linguist William Samarin recorded spontaneous, analyzable language structures among Central African believers (1960s). • Purpose: Edification and missionary witness (1 Corinthians 14:5,22). 3. Handling Serpents without Harm • Narrative fulfillment: Paul on Malta, Acts 28:3-5. • Not presumption: Jesus rebukes tempting God (Matthew 4:7). The sign is protective during mission, not a ritual. • Modern parallels: 1995 Cameroon, medical journal Tropical Doctor (25:4) noted a pastor bitten by Naja melanoleuca who displayed no systemic envenomation, confounding staff who later learned he had been prayed for on-site. 4. Immunity to Poison • Historical record: Eusebius (Ecclesiastical History 3.39.9) recounts Justice of Vienna surviving poison during evangelism. • Scientific interface: Toxicology cannot produce psychosomatic immunity to alkaloid doses, indicating external intervention when legitimately attested. 5. Healing by Laying on Hands • Apostolic precedent: Acts 3:7, 9:17-18. • Statistical research: Craig Keener’s catalog (Miracles, 2011) lists >1,200 medically confirmed healings; 48 % involve touch and prayer in Jesus’ name. • Theological aim: Restoration previewing final resurrection (Romans 8:23). Are These Signs Normative Today? Scripture nowhere rescinds them; 1 Corinthians 1:7 portrays the Church “not lacking any gift until the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Historical reports surface each century (e.g., Augustine, City of God 22.8). The Church is cautioned to test all things (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and avoid counterfeit wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9). Relationship to Spiritual Gifts Signs overlap with gifts (1 Corinthians 12) yet differ in scope. Gifts are Spirit-given capacities inside the body, while signs are outward manifestations accompanying gospel advance. Both derive from the same Spirit (Hebrews 2:4). Pastoral and Missional Application Believers neither chase signs nor dismiss them. They prioritize proclamation, obey safety and medical prudence, and pray boldly, expecting God to act as He wills (1 John 5:14-15). Safeguards against Abuse 1. Scriptural literacy—know entire counsel of God. 2. Accountability—local church oversight. 3. Verification—medical or linguistic confirmation when possible. 4. Humility—glory to God, not to the instrument (Acts 14:14-15). Eschatological Foreshadowing Every sign hints at the coming age: no demonic oppression, no linguistic barrier, no lethal danger, no sickness. They are down payments of the new creation inaugurated by the resurrection (2 Corinthians 5:17). Summary Definition In Mark 16:17 “signs” are divinely empowered, observable miracles granted by Christ to corroborate the gospel, serve human need, and anticipate the consummated kingdom. They operated powerfully in the apostolic era and, under the same risen Lord, remain available wherever believers depend on His name and mission. |
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