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Mark 16:18 KJV
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Mark 16:18 Bible Commentary
Commentary on Mark 16:18
Verse: “They will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” (Mark 16:18, NIV)
Contextual Overview
The Gospel of Mark is a direct and concise account of Jesus' life, emphasizing His actions and authority. The concluding chapter contains significant instructions from Christ to His disciples, commissioning them to spread the Gospel throughout the world. This verse is a part of the broader passage often referred to as the Great Commission, intended to prepare believers for challenges they would face in their mission.
Interpretation and Insights
Gift of Healing and Protection
This verse speaks to the extraordinary signs that will follow those who believe. According to Matthew Henry, these signs serve as credentials of divine authority and validate the genuineness of the leaders of the new covenant. The ability to handle snakes and drink poison without harm symbolizes God's protection over His ministers and the miraculous power of faith.
Albert Barnes elaborates that such signs are not to be interpreted literally but rather represent divine protection in extreme circumstances. The understanding here is that genuine believers operating under God’s mission will be safeguarded against dangers, as they are engaged in a holy calling.
Miraculous Signs in the Early Church
Adam Clarke notes that this promise of miraculous signs aligns with early church experiences, where apostles received power to heal the sick, raise the dead, and perform various wonders (Acts 5:12-16). He clarifies that while contemporary applications may differ, the underlying principle of divine empowerment still holds for the church today.
The context of such miraculous acts can be understood better through historical examples. The early believers were often required to demonstrate their faith despite encountering severe opposition, and these signs served as both encouragement and evidence of God's presence and power.
Theological Implications
This verse underscores the vital relationship between faith and divine empowerment. According to Henry, these signs reflect the promises of God, assuring believers of His faithfulness. The theological significance lies in the belief that divine authority accompanies the mission of the Gospel.
Barnes posits that the phrase "they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well" encapsulates a deep faith principle: the idea that believers are to actively engage in ministry—imparting healing and hope through the power of Christ. It challenges the church to rely on God’s power rather than human resources.
Furthermore, Clarke emphasizes the broader application of this verse beyond mere physical acts of healing and protection. It speaks to the spiritual protection and empowerment believers receive as they undertake the great commission, equipping them to confront spiritual uncertainties and adversities.
Practical Applications
- Faith in Action: Believers are called to operate in faith, understanding that their mission may lead them into challenging and potentially dangerous situations. This promise provides reassurance that God is with them.
- Prayer and Healing: The instruction to lay hands on the sick presents a model for contemporary ministry. Pastors and leaders are encouraged to practice prayerful healing, embodying the principles of faith and support found in this verse.
- Understanding Challenges: This verse positions believers to expect adversities as part of the faithful testimony. The miraculous signs are not only for their benefit but are instruments to draw others to faith.
Conclusion
Mark 16:18 captures a powerful promise of God’s protection and empowerment for believers. Through insights from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke, we see that the verse is not merely an account of extraordinary signs but is deeply relevant to the mission of the church today. It emphasizes faith, divine authority, and the miraculous nature of God’s interactions with His people. The church is encouraged to move forward with confidence, relying on the Lord’s promises and power as they engage in the ministry of healing, teaching, and evangelism.