THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MARK - Chapter 16 - Verse 20

Verse 20. They went forth. The apostles.

Every where. In all parts of the world. See the account in the Acts and the Epistles.

The Lord working with them. By miracles; by removing obstacles; by supporting them, and by giving the gospel success, and making it effectual to saving men.

Confirming the word. Showing it to be the word of God, or a revelation from heaven.

With signs following. By attending miracles. By raising the dead, healing the sick, etc., as signs that God was with them, and had sent them forth to preach.

Amen. Truly, verily. So be it. This word here is of no authority. There is no reason to think that it was added by Mark.

Mark is more concise than any other of the evangelists. In most instances he coincides with Matthew, though he has added some circumstances which Matthew had omitted. There is no evidence, however, that he copied from Matthew. The last chapter in Mark contains some things omitted in Matthew, and some things of fearful import. We learn from it that the gospel is to be preached to all mankind. Every man is to be offered eternal life; and he rejects it at his peril. The condition of the man who will not believe is fearfully awful. The Son of God has solemnly declared that he shall be damned. He will judge the world; and there is none that can deliver out of his hand. No excuse will be allowed for not believing. Unless a man has faith, he must be lost for ever. This is the solemn assurance of the whole Bible, and in view of this awful declaration of the merciful Redeemer, how sad is the condition of him who has no confidence in Jesus, and who has never looked to him for eternal life! And how important that without delay he should make his peace with God, and possess that faith which is connected with eternal life!

{l} "the Lord" Ac 5:12; 14:3; Heb 2:4