Mark 16
BSB1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so they could go and anoint the body of Jesus. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they went to the tomb. 3 They were asking one another, “Who will roll away the stone from the entrance of the tomb?" 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away, even though it was extremely large. 5 When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here! See the place where they put Him. 7 But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him, just as He told you.’" 8 So the women left the tomb and ran away, trembling and bewildered. And in their fear they did not say a word to anyone. 9 Early on the first day of the week, after Jesus had risen, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had driven out seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with Him, who were mourning and weeping. 11 And when they heard that Jesus was alive and she had seen Him, they did not believe it. 12 After this, Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them as they walked along in the country. 13 And they went back and reported it to the rest, but they did not believe them either. 14 Later, as they were eating, Jesus appeared to the Eleven and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. 15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 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." 19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked through them, confirming His word by the signs that accompanied it.
Study Notes — Mark 16
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Mark 16
- Themes from Mark 16
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Mark 16
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Mark 16 begins with the account of the women who visited Jesus' tomb and found it empty, with an angel declaring that Jesus had risen from the dead. The women were instructed to tell the disciples to meet Jesus in Galilee, where He would appear to them. The chapter then describes Jesus' appearances to Mary Magdalene and the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Jesus then appeared to the eleven disciples and commissioned them to preach the Gospel to all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The chapter concludes with the ascension of Jesus and the disciples' obedience to the Great Commission. Key verses include Mark 16:6, where the angel declares that Jesus has risen, and Mark 16:15, where Jesus commissions the disciples to preach the Gospel.
Context for the Chapter
Mark 16 concludes the Gospel of Mark, which has emphasized Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. The chapter fits into the larger narrative of the New Testament, which portrays Jesus as the risen Lord who has given His disciples the authority to preach the Gospel. The context of the chapter is also informed by the Old Testament, which prophesies the coming of a Messiah who would be crucified and risen from the dead. As seen in Psalm 16:10, the Old Testament prophesies the resurrection of the Messiah, which is fulfilled in Jesus.
Heart Application
The message of Mark 16 is a call to faith and obedience. As believers, we are commissioned to preach the Gospel to all nations, just like the disciples. We must respond to the Gospel with faith and obedience, trusting in Jesus' power and authority to save us and empower us for ministry. As seen in Mark 16:15, we are to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Mark 16 is about the resurrection of Jesus and the commissioning of the disciples to preach the Gospel. Jesus has risen from the dead and has given His disciples the authority to spread the message of salvation to all nations. As seen in Mark 16:15, Jesus commands the disciples to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. This chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in response to the Gospel.
Voices from the Church
“The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our faith, and the Gospel is the message of salvation that we are called to preach to all nations.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The authority of Jesus is the basis of our commission to preach the Gospel, and we must trust in His power and wisdom to guide us in our ministry.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Resurrection of Jesus (Mark 16:1-8) — The chapter begins with the account of the women who visited Jesus' tomb and found it empty, with an angel declaring that Jesus had risen from the dead.
- The Appearances of Jesus (Mark 16:9-13) — Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene and the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, demonstrating His power and authority over death and sin.
- The Great Commission (Mark 16:14-16) — Jesus commissions the disciples to preach the Gospel to all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- The Ascension of Jesus (Mark 16:19-20) — Jesus is received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God, demonstrating His exaltation and glory.
- The Obedience of the Disciples (Mark 16:20) — The disciples obey Jesus' command to preach the Gospel, and the Lord works with them, confirming the word by the signs that followed.
Core Doctrines
- The Resurrection of Jesus
- Mark 16 teaches that Jesus has risen from the dead, demonstrating His power and authority over death and sin. As seen in Mark 16:6, the angel declares that Jesus has risen from the dead.
- The Authority of Jesus
- The chapter portrays Jesus as the risen Lord who has given His disciples the authority to preach the Gospel. As seen in Mark 16:15, Jesus commands the disciples to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.
- The Importance of Faith
- Mark 16 emphasizes the importance of faith in response to the Gospel, as seen in Mark 16:16. This highlights the necessity of faith for salvation and the importance of preaching the Gospel to all nations.
- The Great Commission
- The chapter teaches that the disciples are commissioned to preach the Gospel to all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As seen in Mark 16:15, Jesus commands the disciples to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.
Lessons from Mark 16
- The Power of the Resurrection — Mark 16 teaches that Jesus has risen from the dead, demonstrating His power and authority over death and sin. As seen in Mark 16:6, the angel declares that Jesus has risen from the dead.
- The Importance of Faith and Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in response to the Gospel, as seen in Mark 16:16. This highlights the necessity of faith for salvation and the importance of preaching the Gospel to all nations.
- The Great Commission — Mark 16 teaches that the disciples are commissioned to preach the Gospel to all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As seen in Mark 16:15, Jesus commands the disciples to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.
- The Ascension of Jesus — The chapter portrays Jesus as the risen Lord who has been received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God, demonstrating His exaltation and glory. As seen in Mark 16:19, Jesus is received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
- The Obedience of the Disciples — Mark 16 teaches that the disciples obey Jesus' command to preach the Gospel, and the Lord works with them, confirming the word by the signs that followed. As seen in Mark 16:20, the disciples obey Jesus' command to preach the Gospel.
Themes from Mark 16
- The Resurrection of Jesus — Mark 16 emphasizes the significance of Jesus' resurrection, demonstrating His power and authority over death and sin. As seen in Mark 16:6, the angel declares that Jesus has risen from the dead.
- The Great Commission — The chapter teaches that the disciples are commissioned to preach the Gospel to all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As seen in Mark 16:15, Jesus commands the disciples to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.
- The Importance of Faith and Obedience — Mark 16 emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in response to the Gospel, as seen in Mark 16:16. This highlights the necessity of faith for salvation and the importance of preaching the Gospel to all nations.
- The Ascension of Jesus — The chapter portrays Jesus as the risen Lord who has been received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God, demonstrating His exaltation and glory. As seen in Mark 16:19, Jesus is received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
- The Obedience of the Disciples — Mark 16 teaches that the disciples obey Jesus' command to preach the Gospel, and the Lord works with them, confirming the word by the signs that followed. As seen in Mark 16:20, the disciples obey Jesus' command to preach the Gospel.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the significance of Jesus' resurrection in Mark 16, and how does it relate to our faith?
- How does the Great Commission in Mark 16:15-16 relate to our responsibility as believers to spread the Gospel?
- What does Mark 16 teach about the importance of faith and obedience in response to the Gospel?
- How does the ascension of Jesus in Mark 16:19-20 demonstrate His exaltation and glory?
- What is the significance of the disciples' obedience to the Great Commission in Mark 16:20, and how does it relate to our own obedience to Jesus' commands?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Resurrection of Jesus (Mark 16:1-8)
| Mark 16:1 | The women visit Jesus' tomb and find it empty, with an angel declaring that Jesus has risen from the dead. |
| Mark 16:2 | The women are instructed to tell the disciples to meet Jesus in Galilee, where He will appear to them. |
| Mark 16:3 | The women are amazed and afraid, but they obey the angel's command and tell the disciples the news. |
| Mark 16:4 | The stone is rolled away, and the tomb is empty, demonstrating Jesus' power and authority over death and sin. |
| Mark 16:5 | The angel declares that Jesus has risen from the dead, and the women are instructed to tell the disciples the news. |
| Mark 16:6 | The angel says, 'He has risen; He is not here; see the place where they laid Him.' |
| Mark 16:7 | The angel instructs the women to tell the disciples to meet Jesus in Galilee, where He will appear to them. |
| Mark 16:8 | The women are amazed and afraid, but they obey the angel's command and tell the disciples the news. |
2. The Appearances of Jesus (Mark 16:9-13)
| Mark 16:9 | Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene, who is instructed to tell the disciples the news. |
| Mark 16:10 | Mary Magdalene tells the disciples the news, but they do not believe her. |
| Mark 16:11 | Jesus appears to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, who are also instructed to tell the disciples the news. |
| Mark 16:12 | The two disciples tell the disciples the news, but they do not believe them. |
| Mark 16:13 | Jesus appears to the disciples, and they are instructed to preach the Gospel to all nations. |
3. The Great Commission (Mark 16:14-16)
| Mark 16:14 | Jesus appears to the eleven disciples and commissions them to preach the Gospel to all nations. |
| Mark 16:15 | Jesus commands the disciples to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. |
| Mark 16:16 | Jesus says that those who believe and are baptized will be saved, but those who do not believe will be condemned. |
4. The Ascension of Jesus (Mark 16:19-20)
| Mark 16:19 | Jesus is received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God, demonstrating His exaltation and glory. |
| Mark 16:20 | The disciples obey Jesus' command to preach the Gospel, and the Lord works with them, confirming the word by the signs that followed. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Jesus' resurrection in Mark 16?
The resurrection of Jesus demonstrates His power and authority over death and sin, and it is the foundation of our faith. As seen in Mark 16:6, the angel declares that Jesus has risen from the dead.
What is the Great Commission in Mark 16:15-16?
The Great Commission is the command of Jesus to preach the Gospel to all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As seen in Mark 16:15, Jesus commands the disciples to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.
What is the significance of the ascension of Jesus in Mark 16:19-20?
The ascension of Jesus demonstrates His exaltation and glory, and it marks the beginning of the disciples' ministry to preach the Gospel to all nations. As seen in Mark 16:19, Jesus is received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mark 16:6 → Psalm 16:10 | The Old Testament prophesies the resurrection of the Messiah, which is fulfilled in Jesus. As seen in Psalm 16:10, the Old Testament prophesies the resurrection of the Messiah. |
| 2 | Mark 16:15 → Matthew 28:18-20 | The Great Commission is also taught in Matthew 28:18-20, where Jesus commands the disciples to preach the Gospel to all nations. |
| 3 | Mark 16:16 → Acts 2:38 | The importance of faith and baptism is also taught in Acts 2:38, where Peter commands the crowd to repent and be baptized. |
| 4 | Mark 16:19 → Luke 24:50-51 | The ascension of Jesus is also described in Luke 24:50-51, where Jesus is taken up into heaven. |
| 5 | Mark 16:20 → Acts 1:8 | The disciples' obedience to the Great Commission is also described in Acts 1:8, where Jesus commands the disciples to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. |
| 6 | Mark 16:1 → John 20:1 | The resurrection of Jesus is also described in John 20:1, where Mary Magdalene finds the empty tomb. |
| 7 | Mark 16:9 → John 20:11-18 | The appearance of Jesus to Mary Magdalene is also described in John 20:11-18, where Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene and instructs her to tell the disciples the news. |
| 8 | Mark 16:14 → 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 | The resurrection of Jesus is also taught in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, where Paul describes the Gospel as the message of salvation that we are called to preach to all nations. |
| 9 | Mark 16:15 → Romans 10:9-10 | The importance of faith and obedience is also taught in Romans 10:9-10, where Paul describes the necessity of faith for salvation. |
| 10 | Mark 16:19 → Hebrews 1:3 | The ascension of Jesus is also described in Hebrews 1:3, where Jesus is portrayed as the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being. |
Sermons on Mark 16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Authority Over Demons by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, Corey Ten Boom shares her personal experiences of preaching the gospel and casting out demons. She recounts a time when she was in a concentration camp and witnesse |
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How to Identify the Enemy - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, Derek Prince discusses the basics of deliverance and how to identify the enemy. He emphasizes that the ministry of Jesus serves as the ultimate example and should n |
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A Three-Fold Vision by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of vision and obedience to God's will. He emphasizes the need for a cleansing wave of revival in a nation plagued by immoralit |
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Laws of Spiritual Progress - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker discusses two lessons they have learned about making spiritual progress. The first principle they emphasize is the importance of taking a step of faith |
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Baptism of the Holy Spirit - Part 2 by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the limitations of our physical bodies in experiencing the power of God. He explains that no man can look upon the face of God and live becau |
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Christ's Call Follow in My Footsteps by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of self-denial and sacrificing our own desires for the sake of the cross and Calvary. He shares a personal story of his wife' |
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"To the Jew first..." by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of considering the Jewish people as central to the church's mission. He argues that neglecting the Jews not only harms them bu |
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Your Prayer Can Change the World - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for repentance and deep radical changes in the church and its leadership. They suggest that the current emphasis in the church is pr |
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Strengthen Me Just Once by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher starts by talking about the distractions and temptations of the world, comparing them to different varieties of ice cream and donuts. He then refers to |
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An Hour With Kathryn Kuhlman - Part 2 by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of surrendering everything to God and receiving the fullness of the Holy Spirit. They admit to not knowing much about the H |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Mark 16
Matthew Henry's commentary on Mark 16 emphasizes the significance of Jesus' resurrection and the Great Commission. Henry notes that the resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our faith and the demonstration of His power and authority over death and sin. He also emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in response to the Gospel, as seen in Mark 16:16. Henry concludes that the ascension of Jesus marks the beginning of the disciples' ministry to preach the Gospel to all nations, and that we are also called to be witnesses for Jesus in our own lives. As seen in Mark 16:15, Jesus commands the disciples to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Emphasis on Faith
Mark 16 emphasizes the importance of faith in response to the Gospel, as seen in Mark 16:16. This highlights the necessity of faith for salvation and the importance of preaching the Gospel to all nations.
The Authority of Jesus
The chapter portrays Jesus as the risen Lord who has given His disciples the authority to preach the Gospel. This emphasizes Jesus' power and authority over death and sin.
The Importance of Obedience
Mark 16 emphasizes the importance of obedience to Jesus' commands, as seen in the disciples' response to the Great Commission. This highlights the necessity of obedience for discipleship and the spread of the Gospel.