17, 18. And these signs shall follow them that believe . . . They shall take up serpents—These two verses also are peculiar to Mark. The Ascension and Triumphant Proclamation of the Gospel Thereafter (Mark 16:19; Mark 16:20). read more
1. Three post-resurrection appearances 16:9-18These three accounts stress the importance of disciples believing what Jesus had taught, specifically that He would rise from the dead, with increasing urgency. read more
B. the appearances and ascension of Jesus 16:9-20Many modern interpreters believe Mark ended his Gospel with Mark 16:8. [Note: E.g., Carson and Moo, pp. 187-90.] This seems unlikely to some others since if he did he ended it with an example of disciples too fearful and amazed to bear witness to the resurrected Jesus. Throughout this Gospel we have noted many unique features that appeal to disciples to serve God by bearing bold witness to Jesus, even in spite of persecution and suffering. They... read more
Jesus’ appearance to the Eleven 16:14-18 (cf. Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-23)The writer said that Jesus appeared to the Eleven on this occasion. However, John qualified that statement by explaining that Thomas was absent (John 20:24). The writer was speaking of the Eleven as a group. read more
These verses also support the primary importance of believing. Those who believe, not just the Eleven, would continue to perform supernatural acts. Throughout Scripture such "signs" always signified that something of supernatural origin was happening, and they authenticated the message that the witness bore (cf. Mark 16:20)."The signs authenticated the faith the early believers proclaimed, not the personal faith that any one of them exercised." [Note: Grassmick, p. 196.] The Twelve had already... read more
16:17 new (a-22) Kainos . see Note, Hebrews 12:24 . read more
16:18 not (b-16) 'In no wise.' a strong negative. read more
The Resurrection1-8. The women at the tomb, and the angel (Matthew 28:1; Luke 24:1; John 20:1). See on Mt and Jn.1. Mary the mother of James] lit. ’Mary of James,’ i.e. probably ’Mary daughter of James,’ or just possibly ’Mary wife of James.’ She is perhaps the same as Mary the mother of James and Joses, Mark 15:40.9-20. Conclusion of the Gospel. One uncial MS gives a second termination to the Gospel as follows: ’And they reported all the things that had been commanded them briefly (or... read more
(9-20) Now when Jesus was risen early.—See Notes on Matthew 28:16-20. The history of the verses that follow is in every way remarkable. They are not found in two of the oldest MSS.—the Sinaitic and the Vatican—are marked as doubtful in many others, and are wanting in some versions. In some of these (e.g., in the Vatican MS.) there is a blank space left between Mark 16:8 and the beginning of St. Luke, as though the writer had suspended his work and waited for materials. The absence was noticed... read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Mark 16:18
Mark 16:18. They shall take up serpents;— The power here referred to, included, as in the case of St. Paul, Act 28:3-5 an ability to heal the most dangerous wounds given by the bite of the most noxious animals. We must understand the next clause with some restrictions; as much as to say, "If by some secret or open attempt they drink any deadly poison, it shall not hurt them:" for it is not to be imagined that God ever intended these miraculous powers should be used merely for ostentation, or to... read more