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Thursday 14 March 2013

Mark 16:9-20 - The Great Commission

As your Bible probably tells you, this latter section of Mark's gospel is not found in the earliest manuscripts of the gospel. However, there is actually nothing in here that is not consistent with what is said elsewhere in the New Testament.
Mary Magdelene was the first person to see the risen Christ. She went to tell others, but they did not believe her. This is not the least bit surprising, for the people of the day, just as people of today, knew full well that it was not normal for the dead to come back to life. The resurrection of Jesus was a totally unique event.
Verse 12 might be a reference to the visit on the Emmaus road. These two got the same reaction of unbelief.
Jesus then appeared to the eleven, and rebuked them for their lack of faith. He had told them beforehand that He would be killed and raised back to life. He then told them to and preach the good news to all the world. Faith in Christ is the means of salvation.
Signs would also follow the disciples. These would include tongues, healings and not being killed by snakes or killed by drinking poison. As we know, one or two odd groups have taken this verse on snakes to extremes. It is better to take it as saying that we will be protected from danger, as Paul was on Malta.
Jesus then ascended to heaven. The disciples went out preaching the good news, and signs accompanied their preaching of the word.

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