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Mark 16:18
Verse
Context
The Great Commission
17And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;18they 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.”
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Take up serpents - Several MSS. add εν ταις χερσιν, in their hands - shall be enabled to give, when such a proof may be serviceable to the cause of truth, this evidence of their being continually under the power and protection of God, and that all nature is subject to him. This also was literally fulfilled in the case of Paul, Act 28:5. If they drink any deadly thing - Θανασιμον (φαρμακον) being understood - if they should through mistake, or accident, drink any poisonous matter, their constant preserver will take care that it shall not injure them. See a similar promise, Isa 43:2. They shall lay hands on the sick - And I will convey a healing power by their hands, so that the sick shall recover, and men shall see that these are sent and acknowledged by the Most High. Several instances of this kind are found in the Acts of the Apostles. That the apostles of our Lord should not lose their lives by poison is most fully asserted in this verse, and there is neither record nor tradition to disprove this. But it is worthy of remark, that Mohammed, who styled himself The Apostle Of God, lost his life by poison; and had he been a true apostle of God, he could not have fallen by it. Al Kodai, Abul Feda, and Al Janabi, give the following account. When Mohammed, in the seventh year of the Hejra, a.d. 628, had taken the city of Kheebar, from the Arab Jews, he took up his lodgings at the house of Hareth, the father of Marhab the Jewish general, who had been slain at the taking of the city by Alee, the son-in-law of Mohammed. Zeenab the daughter of Hareth, who was appointed to dress the prophet's dinner, to avenge the fall of her people, and the death of her brother, put poison in a roasted lamb which was provided for the occasion. Bashar, one of his companions, falling on too hastily, fell dead on the spot. Mohammed had only chewed one mouthful, but had not swallowed it: though, on perceiving that it was poisoned, he immediately spat it out, yet he had swallowed a sufficiency of the juice to lay the foundation of his death; though this did not take place till about three years after: but that it was the cause of his death then, his dying words related by Al Janabi, and others, sufficiently testify. When the mother of Bashar came to see him in his dying agonies, he thus addressed her: "O mother of Bashar, I now feel the veins of my heart bursting through the poison of that morsel which I ate with thy son at Kheebar." Abul Feda, Ebnol Athir, and Ebn Phares say, that the prophet acknowledged on his death-bed, that the poison which he had taken at Kheebar had tormented him from that time until then, notwithstanding blisters were applied to his shoulders, and every thing done in the beginning to prevent its effects. Al Kodai and Al Janabi relate, that when Zeenab was questioned why she did this, she answered to this effect: "I said in my heart, If he be a king, we shall hereby be freed from his tyranny; and if he be a prophet, he will easily perceive it, and consequently receive no injury." To support his credit, he pretended that the lamb spoke to him, and said that it was infected with poison! See Elmakin, p. 8. It was therefore policy in him not to put Zeenab to death. It has pleased God that this fact should be acknowledged by the dying breath of this scourge of the earth; and that several of even the most partial Mohammedan historians should relate it! And, thus attested, it stands for the complete and everlasting refutation of his pretensions to the prophetic spirit and mission. Vide Specimen Hist. Arabum, a Pocockio, p. 189, 190. Le Coran traduit par Savary, vol. i; p. 135, and 212. See also, The Life of Mohammed by Prideaux, 93, 101.
John Gill Bible Commentary
So then, after the Lord,.... The Vulgate Latin and Syriac versions add, "Jesus"; and the Ethiopic version reads, "our Lord, the Lord Jesus"; and both Syriac and Persic read, "our Lord"; which is common in these versions, where the word "Lord" is used: had spoken unto them; the disciples, the above words, which commissioned them where to go, what to do, and what to say; and what should follow them, for the confirmation of their mission and doctrine: he was received up into heaven; in a cloud, angels attending him, and devils led captive by him, and with a welcome into his Father's presence: and sat on the right hand of God; the Ethiopic version adds, "his own Father", and which is an evidence of his having done his work, and that to full satisfaction; and is an honour never conferred on angels, or any mere creature; and is a peculiar dignity conferred on the human nature of Christ, in union with his divine person; and here he will remain, till his second coming.
Mark 16:18
The Great Commission
17And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;18they 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.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Learning How to Be Ordinary
By David Wilkerson5.4K49:46PSA 37:23MRK 16:18ROM 6:14ROM 8:28HEB 4:9JAS 4:71JN 3:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the pressure that society puts on individuals to be successful and extraordinary. He gives examples of parents pushing their children to excel in sports or music, and the prevalence of self-help books promoting success and wealth. The preacher also highlights the dangers of this mindset by referencing Hitler and the impact of his success message on the German people. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of embracing ordinariness and recognizing that true worth and calling come from God, not from worldly achievements.
Quote - Laying on of Hands
By Leonard Ravenhill1.6K00:11Ravenhill QuoteLaying on of HandsSpiritual EmpowermentMRK 16:18ACT 8:171TI 4:14HEB 6:2JAS 5:14Leonard Ravenhill reflects on the profound practice of laying on of hands, a tradition he learned from his father, a devout believer in the Bible. He emphasizes the significance of this act in imparting blessings, healing, and spiritual empowerment, showcasing the deep faith and conviction that accompanies such a practice. Ravenhill's message encourages believers to embrace this biblical principle as a means of connecting with God's power and grace.
Schau Auf Jesus (7) (German)
By George Verwer8943:55GermanEXO 13:21MAT 6:33MRK 16:18LUK 4:18ACT 2:41CO 2:5HEB 11:1In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who was jogging and suddenly found himself being chased by a tiger. The man tries to evade the tiger by running from side to side, but the tiger continues to pursue him. Eventually, the man turns to face the tiger and says, "Have faith in God." The preacher then relates this story to the biblical account of the Israelites facing seemingly impossible obstacles in the Promised Land. Only two men had the faith to believe that God would give them victory, while the rest doubted. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having faith, the power of prayer, and obedience to God's word in fulfilling God's plan for our lives and for the world.
Arms to Give Alms!
By R. Stanley0EXO 17:12DEU 15:10PRO 19:17MAT 6:19MAT 8:1MAT 12:20MRK 16:18LUK 6:38ACT 20:35ROM 8:32JAS 1:5R. Stanley emphasizes the importance of having open hands to bless others, drawing from Psalms 41 and Proverbs 19:17. He leads a prayer asking God to open our hands to give generously, support the weak, relieve suffering, and help the poor, reflecting the compassionate nature of Jesus. The sermon highlights the blessings of giving and the need to be selfless and compassionate in our actions towards others.
Then the Ear"¦
By Stanley H. Frodsham0PSA 62:8PSA 63:8MRK 16:18ACT 8:26JAS 5:15Stanley H. Frodsham preaches about the intense pursuit of God's heart, drawing inspiration from the attitude of Smith Wigglesworth in following hard after God. Despite facing trials and attempts by the enemy to hinder his zeal, Wigglesworth's faith and passion for soul-winning remained unwavering, leading to miraculous encounters and divine interventions in people's lives. Through stories of perseverance, faith, and divine healing, Wigglesworth's life exemplifies the power of trusting God wholeheartedly and being a vessel for His compassion and miracles.
Three Lessons From Lakeland
By David Servant0MAT 7:20MAT 20:26MAT 23:12MRK 16:181CO 6:9GAL 5:19EPH 5:5REV 21:8David Servant addresses the controversial revival meetings in Lakeland, Florida, led by Todd Bentley, emphasizing the importance of discerning true prophets by their fruits and teachings, rather than being misled by false signs and wonders. He highlights the downfall of Bentley, revealing the dangers of exalting oneself and the consequences of immorality and deception in ministry. Servant urges believers to focus on holiness, obedience to God's commandments, and humility, warning against following self-proclaimed apostles and prophets who prioritize personal gain over biblical truth.
Snake Handlers
By David Wilkerson0Faith in ActionSpiritual ProtectionECC 10:8MRK 16:18LUK 11:11LUK 14:23REV 12:9David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of taking risks for Christ, likening the challenges faced by believers to handling serpents. He points out that while the wicked are like poisonous serpents, Jesus assures us that we can overcome these dangers through faith. Wilkerson highlights the importance of being spiritually protected from the world's poison as we engage in soul-winning, reminding us that the Holy Spirit cleanses and empowers us. He encourages believers to step out boldly into the world, trusting in God's promise of safety and protection. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a fearless approach to evangelism, grounded in the assurance of Christ's power.
Some Features of Christ's Working
By George H. Morrison0MAT 8:20MAT 26:6MAT 27:42MRK 16:18JHN 14:9JHN 19:30George H. Morrison preaches about the characteristics of the Christian gospel exemplified by Jesus as a worker, emphasizing the revolutionary concept of God as a toiling God. Jesus' work showcases the magnitude of His aim compared to the meanness of His methods, inspiring Christians to have lofty hopes while being content to work in humble ways. His untiring labor and unruffled calm serve as an example for every Christian toiler, highlighting the importance of balancing work and peace in a bustling world. Jesus' mission for all is coupled with a message for each, emphasizing the quality of impact over quantity. Lastly, Jesus' life reflects seeming failure turning into a signal triumph, teaching that God's definition of success often differs from worldly perspectives.
Day 136, Acts 28
By David Servant0MRK 16:18ACT 20:28ACT 27:23ACT 28:8ROM 15:24David Servant reflects on the humility of Luke, who authored the book of Acts but never mentioned himself, emphasizing the importance of humility in serving God. Through the Malta shipwreck story, he highlights how God's providence works in our storms, turning bad situations into opportunities for spiritual awakening. Paul's unwavering faith in God's promises and his humble service exemplify the true essence of a servant leader, reminding us that greatness in God's eyes comes from serving others.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Take up serpents - Several MSS. add εν ταις χερσιν, in their hands - shall be enabled to give, when such a proof may be serviceable to the cause of truth, this evidence of their being continually under the power and protection of God, and that all nature is subject to him. This also was literally fulfilled in the case of Paul, Act 28:5. If they drink any deadly thing - Θανασιμον (φαρμακον) being understood - if they should through mistake, or accident, drink any poisonous matter, their constant preserver will take care that it shall not injure them. See a similar promise, Isa 43:2. They shall lay hands on the sick - And I will convey a healing power by their hands, so that the sick shall recover, and men shall see that these are sent and acknowledged by the Most High. Several instances of this kind are found in the Acts of the Apostles. That the apostles of our Lord should not lose their lives by poison is most fully asserted in this verse, and there is neither record nor tradition to disprove this. But it is worthy of remark, that Mohammed, who styled himself The Apostle Of God, lost his life by poison; and had he been a true apostle of God, he could not have fallen by it. Al Kodai, Abul Feda, and Al Janabi, give the following account. When Mohammed, in the seventh year of the Hejra, a.d. 628, had taken the city of Kheebar, from the Arab Jews, he took up his lodgings at the house of Hareth, the father of Marhab the Jewish general, who had been slain at the taking of the city by Alee, the son-in-law of Mohammed. Zeenab the daughter of Hareth, who was appointed to dress the prophet's dinner, to avenge the fall of her people, and the death of her brother, put poison in a roasted lamb which was provided for the occasion. Bashar, one of his companions, falling on too hastily, fell dead on the spot. Mohammed had only chewed one mouthful, but had not swallowed it: though, on perceiving that it was poisoned, he immediately spat it out, yet he had swallowed a sufficiency of the juice to lay the foundation of his death; though this did not take place till about three years after: but that it was the cause of his death then, his dying words related by Al Janabi, and others, sufficiently testify. When the mother of Bashar came to see him in his dying agonies, he thus addressed her: "O mother of Bashar, I now feel the veins of my heart bursting through the poison of that morsel which I ate with thy son at Kheebar." Abul Feda, Ebnol Athir, and Ebn Phares say, that the prophet acknowledged on his death-bed, that the poison which he had taken at Kheebar had tormented him from that time until then, notwithstanding blisters were applied to his shoulders, and every thing done in the beginning to prevent its effects. Al Kodai and Al Janabi relate, that when Zeenab was questioned why she did this, she answered to this effect: "I said in my heart, If he be a king, we shall hereby be freed from his tyranny; and if he be a prophet, he will easily perceive it, and consequently receive no injury." To support his credit, he pretended that the lamb spoke to him, and said that it was infected with poison! See Elmakin, p. 8. It was therefore policy in him not to put Zeenab to death. It has pleased God that this fact should be acknowledged by the dying breath of this scourge of the earth; and that several of even the most partial Mohammedan historians should relate it! And, thus attested, it stands for the complete and everlasting refutation of his pretensions to the prophetic spirit and mission. Vide Specimen Hist. Arabum, a Pocockio, p. 189, 190. Le Coran traduit par Savary, vol. i; p. 135, and 212. See also, The Life of Mohammed by Prideaux, 93, 101.
John Gill Bible Commentary
So then, after the Lord,.... The Vulgate Latin and Syriac versions add, "Jesus"; and the Ethiopic version reads, "our Lord, the Lord Jesus"; and both Syriac and Persic read, "our Lord"; which is common in these versions, where the word "Lord" is used: had spoken unto them; the disciples, the above words, which commissioned them where to go, what to do, and what to say; and what should follow them, for the confirmation of their mission and doctrine: he was received up into heaven; in a cloud, angels attending him, and devils led captive by him, and with a welcome into his Father's presence: and sat on the right hand of God; the Ethiopic version adds, "his own Father", and which is an evidence of his having done his work, and that to full satisfaction; and is an honour never conferred on angels, or any mere creature; and is a peculiar dignity conferred on the human nature of Christ, in union with his divine person; and here he will remain, till his second coming.