Sermons on Mark 16:17-18

Mark 16:17-18 Interpretation:

Unity and Diversity: Embracing Spiritual Gifts in the Church (David Guzik) offers a detailed and unique interpretation of Mark 16:17-18, emphasizing that Jesus’ promise of miraculous signs (casting out demons, speaking in new tongues, handling serpents, drinking deadly poison, healing the sick) was not limited to the apostolic age but is a continuing promise for all believers. Guzik argues that there is no “expiration date” in the text and that the miraculous gifts are not divided from other spiritual gifts in the New Testament. He also clarifies that Jesus’ words were not intended as a checklist for “true believers” or as a mandate for dangerous practices like snake handling, but as a description of the kinds of signs that would accompany gospel proclamation. He uses the analogy of a “coupon” with no expiration date to illustrate the ongoing validity of these promises and stresses that the focus should be on the edification of the church, not on spectacle or self-authentication. Guzik also addresses the misuse and discrediting of these gifts, warning against both sensationalism and artificial cessationism.

Empowered for Mission: The Great Commission Unveiled (Ligonier Ministries) provides a nuanced interpretation by first addressing the textual uncertainty of Mark 16:17-18, noting that the “long ending” of Mark is likely not original but is still theologically consistent with the rest of the New Testament. The sermon carefully walks through each sign listed, affirming their fulfillment in the apostolic era (e.g., casting out demons, speaking in tongues, Paul’s survival of a snake bite) and distinguishing between descriptive and prescriptive readings. The preacher explicitly rejects the practice of ritual snake handling as a misapplication, instead interpreting the signs as authenticating the apostolic message and as occasional, not normative, experiences for the church. The analogy of the “standard yardstick” is used to explain textual transmission and the reliability of the passage’s theological content, even if its original authorship is debated.

Embracing the Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit (The Frontier Church) interprets Mark 16:17-18 as a present and available promise for all believers, not just the early church. The sermon uniquely frames the passage as a “full inheritance” for every Christian, emphasizing that the signs—especially speaking in tongues—are the distinguishing marks of New Testament believers. The preacher uses the analogy of “eating the whole cake” to describe the difference between merely being saved and experiencing the full power of the Holy Spirit, and insists that these signs are not just historical but should be actively sought and expected today. The passage is also interpreted as a call to boldness and action, with the preacher urging listeners to “commit” to being believers who manifest these signs, and to desire the gifts, especially tongues, as a reversal of Babel and a sign of unity.

Embracing the Supernatural in Our Faith Journey (SermonIndex.net) offers a robust defense of the authenticity and ongoing relevance of Mark 16:17-18, addressing textual criticism and the discomfort some feel with the supernatural elements of the passage. The preacher frames the signs as normative for believers, not as relics of a bygone apostolic age, and challenges the church to confront its own powerlessness and unbelief rather than explain away the text. The sermon uses the analogy of a "cold church" as one that interprets the passage defensively to avoid confronting its lack of supernatural fruit. The preacher also draws a parallel between the early church’s willingness to risk for the gospel and the modern church’s tendency toward safety and inaction, suggesting that the miraculous follows obedience and mission. The sermon is notable for its insistence that the supernatural is not abnormal but is the expected outworking of authentic faith, and it uses the image of Christ enthroned as the source of authority and power for the church’s mission.

The Power and Purpose of Laying on Hands (SermonIndex.net) interprets Mark 16:17-18, particularly the phrase "they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover," as a continuation of the Old Testament principle of impartation through touch, but with a New Testament emphasis on the sovereignty of God. The sermon is careful to distinguish between the act of laying on hands and the actual power to heal, stressing that believers are merely conduits and that all authority and efficacy come from God. The preacher uses the analogy of a police badge and military commission to explain that authority must be delegated and recognized, not self-assumed. The sermon also warns against abuses and impersonation of spiritual authority, likening false claims of healing power to impersonating an officer. The act of laying on hands is framed as a public recognition of God’s prior calling and gifting, not as a means of manipulating divine outcomes.

Embracing the Supernatural: Faith, Obedience, and Urgency (SermonIndex.net) interprets Mark 16:17-18 as a description of the normal Christian life, not an aberration. The preacher confesses personal resistance to the supernatural due to cultural and theological biases but ultimately affirms that the signs listed by Jesus are to be expected among Spirit-filled believers. The sermon uses the phrase "get used to different" to challenge the congregation to embrace the abnormal as the new normal, and it connects the operation of the supernatural to humility, repentance, and the fear of God. The preacher also draws a practical application, urging believers to start with what they have and to act in faith, using the story of starting a church with minimal resources as a modern parallel to the biblical principle of using what is in one’s hand.

Empowered by Christ: Mothers and Spiritual Warfare (SermonIndex.net) provides a detailed linguistic and theological exposition of Mark 16:17-18, focusing on the Greek word "exousia" (authority) and its distinction from "dunamis" (power). The sermon argues that all authority in heaven and earth has been given to Christ, who then delegates this authority to believers for the purpose of spiritual warfare, evangelism, and prayer. The preacher uses personal childhood anecdotes and military experiences to illustrate the practical outworking of delegated authority, emphasizing that the authority to cast out demons and heal the sick is not limited to apostles or pastors but is available to all believers who act in humility and submission to Christ. The sermon also addresses the controversy over the authenticity of Mark 16:9-20, defending its inclusion and warning against the influence of textual criticism that undermines the authority of Scripture.

Mark 16:17-18 Theological Themes:

Unity and Diversity: Embracing Spiritual Gifts in the Church (David Guzik) introduces the theme that the miraculous gifts—including those listed in Mark 16:17-18—are not primarily for authenticating revelation but for blessing and edifying the church. Guzik challenges the common cessationist argument by asserting that the need for edification has not diminished since the apostolic age, and therefore the gifts remain. He also develops the idea that the misuse or sensationalism of gifts does not invalidate their genuine operation, and that the diversity of gifts is essential, not just acceptable, for the health of the church.

Empowered for Mission: The Great Commission Unveiled (Ligonier Ministries) presents the theme that the signs in Mark 16:17-18 serve as divine confirmation of the apostolic message, not as ongoing rituals or tests of faith. The sermon also introduces a theological distinction between descriptive and prescriptive passages, warning against building doctrine or practice (such as snake handling) on narrative descriptions. Additionally, the preacher distinguishes between the necessity of faith for salvation and the role of signs as secondary, supporting evidence.

Embracing the Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit (The Frontier Church) offers the theme that the fullness of the Christian life is found in both the person and the power of the Holy Spirit, with Mark 16:17-18 serving as a blueprint for what believers should expect and pursue. The sermon uniquely frames tongues as the “universal language” reversing Babel, and insists that desire and obedience are prerequisites for experiencing these signs. The preacher also emphasizes that these signs are not for self-glorification but for empowering believers to minister boldly and effectively.

Activating the Authority of the Believer in Christ (Vivid Church) introduces the theme of "access"—that believers have been given an "access key" to the authority of Christ, but often fail to use it due to ignorance, unbelief, or passivity. The sermon also explores the conditionality of answered prayer and miraculous signs, insisting that they are tied to alignment with God’s will and purpose, not personal desire or presumption. The preacher further develops the idea that the authority of the believer is rooted in identity with Christ, and that the exercise of this authority is intended to glorify God by demonstrating His power through weak human vessels.

Embracing the Supernatural in Our Faith Journey (SermonIndex.net) presents the theme of "obedient risk"—that the miraculous follows those who are willing to leave the safety of inaction and engage in the hazards of gospel mission. The sermon also introduces the idea that the church’s powerlessness is often a result of theological rationalization and self-protection, rather than a lack of divine willingness. The preacher challenges the church to measure its reality by Scripture rather than experience, and to seek the "authentication" of the gospel through signs that point to Christ’s exalted position.

The Power and Purpose of Laying on Hands (SermonIndex.net) adds the theme of "impartation and recognition"—that the laying on of hands is a means of imparting blessing, healing, or authority, but always as a recognition of what God has already done, never as a means of controlling or obligating God. The sermon also warns against the dangers of spiritual impersonation and the misuse of authority, framing these as violations of the third commandment (taking the Lord’s name in vain).

Embracing the Supernatural: Faith, Obedience, and Urgency (SermonIndex.net) introduces the theme of "the fear of God as the foundation for supernatural faith," arguing that a loss of reverence and awe leads to powerlessness and compromise. The sermon also emphasizes the necessity of full obedience and wholehearted surrender as prerequisites for experiencing the supernatural, and it challenges the church to move from intellectual assent to practical action, starting with whatever resources are available.

Empowered by Christ: Mothers and Spiritual Warfare (SermonIndex.net) develops the theme of "delegated authority" in spiritual warfare, arguing that every believer, regardless of status or maturity, has been given legal, legitimate authority (exousia) to confront the powers of darkness. The sermon also highlights the exclusivity of Christ’s name as the only legitimate basis for spiritual authority, and it warns against pride and self-reliance in the exercise of spiritual gifts. The preacher further explores the corporate dimension of authority, urging the church to act as a unified army rather than a collection of spiritual casualties.

Mark 16:17-18 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Empowered for Mission: The Great Commission Unveiled (Ligonier Ministries) provides a detailed historical and textual context for Mark 16:17-18, explaining the scholarly debate over the “long ending” of Mark and its absence in the earliest manuscripts. The preacher discusses the process of textual transmission, the role of early church copyists, and the criteria used by textual critics to reconstruct the original text. He also situates the signs within the context of the apostolic era, referencing the practices and experiences of the early church, and notes the extra-biblical account of a Christian surviving poison as a possible fulfillment of the passage.

Unity and Diversity: Embracing Spiritual Gifts in the Church (David Guzik) briefly references the historical development of cessationism, noting that it was not until the mid-fourth century that Christians began to claim the gifts had ceased, largely in reaction to abuses and excesses among certain groups. Guzik also cites early church fathers as evidence that miraculous gifts continued beyond the apostolic age, challenging the historical basis for cessationist theology.

Embracing the Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit (The Frontier Church) provides contextual insight by explaining the prevalence of serpents and contaminated water in first-century Palestine, interpreting the references to snake bites and deadly drinks as assurances of divine protection for missionaries in hazardous environments, rather than as mandates for ritual testing.

Embracing the Supernatural in Our Faith Journey (SermonIndex.net) provides a detailed discussion of the textual history of Mark 16:9-20, noting that 99.3% of Greek manuscripts include these verses and that early church fathers such as Irenaeus quoted them as Scripture. The preacher also references the cultural context of Hindu villages in Nepal, where the power encounter between Christian missionaries and local witch doctors serves as a modern parallel to the spiritual confrontations described in Mark 16. The sermon situates the signs and wonders of Mark 16 within the broader context of the early church’s mission, arguing that the miraculous was a normal and expected part of gospel proclamation.

Empowered by Christ: Mothers and Spiritual Warfare (SermonIndex.net) offers a historical overview of the controversy surrounding the authenticity of Mark 16:9-20, explaining the influence of the Sinaiticus and Vaticanus manuscripts on modern Bible translations and the subsequent impact on the church’s doctrine of spiritual authority. The preacher also references the early church’s use of the passage and the widespread acceptance of its authenticity prior to the late 19th century, framing the modern skepticism as a satanic attack on the authority of Scripture.

Mark 16:17-18 Cross-References in the Bible:

Unity and Diversity: Embracing Spiritual Gifts in the Church (David Guzik) cross-references several passages to support the ongoing validity of miraculous gifts: Mark 16:17-18 is cited as a direct promise from Jesus; Acts 2:33 and 2:39 are used to show that the promise of the Spirit and miraculous signs is for all generations; 1 Corinthians 14:12 is referenced to argue that the purpose of gifts is edification; Hebrews 2:3-4 is discussed in relation to the authentication of revelation; and the story of Paul surviving a snake bite in Acts is mentioned as a fulfillment of Mark 16:18. Guzik also references Jesus’ condemnation of sign-seeking (Matthew 12:39) to caution against an overemphasis on miracles as proof of divine authority.

Empowered for Mission: The Great Commission Unveiled (Ligonier Ministries) cross-references John 3:16-19 to clarify the relationship between faith, condemnation, and salvation, and uses the story of Paul’s snake bite in Acts 28 as a fulfillment of the “serpents” sign. The sermon also references the Old Testament account of Moses’ miracles before Pharaoh (Exodus 4) to illustrate the function of signs as divine authentication.

Embracing the Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit (The Frontier Church) cross-references Acts 2 to connect the promise of tongues and the outpouring of the Spirit with Mark 16:17-18, and references the Tower of Babel narrative (Genesis 11) to frame tongues as a reversal of linguistic division. The preacher also alludes to the story of Paul and the viper in Acts 28 as a real-life example of divine protection.

Activating the Authority of the Believer in Christ (Vivid Church) references several passages to support and expand on Mark 16:17-18, including John 14:12 ("the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do"), John 15:16 ("I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit"), John 16:23 ("whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you"), and Matthew 28:18 ("all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me"). These passages are used to reinforce the idea that the authority and power promised in Mark 16 are rooted in the believer’s union with Christ and are intended for the fulfillment of His mission. The sermon also references the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6) to illustrate the principle of aligning prayer with God’s will, and Joshua’s commission (Joshua 1) as a foreshadowing of the believer’s authority to "possess the land."

Embracing the Supernatural in Our Faith Journey (SermonIndex.net) cross-references Acts 14 (God confirming the message of Paul and Barnabas with signs), Hebrews 2 (God bearing witness with signs and wonders), Matthew 28 (the Great Commission and Christ’s promise to be with the church to the end of the age), John 7:38-39 (rivers of living water flowing from believers), and Luke 24:49 (the promise of being clothed with power from on high). These references are used to demonstrate the consistency of Mark 16:17-18 with the broader New Testament witness and to argue for the ongoing relevance of the supernatural in the church’s mission.

The Power and Purpose of Laying on Hands (SermonIndex.net) references Genesis 48 and 27 (Jacob blessing his grandsons and Isaac blessing Jacob), Numbers 27 and 8 (Moses commissioning Joshua and the Levites), Matthew 19 (Jesus blessing the children), Acts 8 and 13 (the impartation of the Holy Spirit and the commissioning of Paul and Barnabas), 1 Timothy 5:22 (warning against hasty ordination), Matthew 16 (the authority to bind and loose), and 1 Corinthians 11:23 (the principle of imparting what one has received). The sermon uses these passages to trace the biblical theology of laying on hands and to situate Mark 16:18 within this tradition.

Empowered by Christ: Mothers and Spiritual Warfare (SermonIndex.net) references Matthew 28:18 (all authority given to Christ), Ephesians 1:20-22 (Christ exalted above all powers), Philippians 2:9-11 (every knee bowing to Jesus), Acts 4:12 (no other name for salvation), Luke 10:17-20 (the 70 disciples exercising authority over demons), John 14-16 (prayer in Jesus’ name), Matthew 18:20 (gathering in Jesus’ name), Matthew 10:1 and Mark 3:15 (authority to heal and cast out demons), and Acts 16:18 (Paul casting out a spirit in Jesus’ name). These references are used to build a comprehensive doctrine of delegated authority and to demonstrate the centrality of Christ’s name in every aspect of Christian life and ministry.

Mark 16:17-18 Christian References outside the Bible:

Unity and Diversity: Embracing Spiritual Gifts in the Church (David Guzik) explicitly references several non-biblical Christian sources: he quotes Alva McClain’s cessationist argument from “The Charismatics” and then refutes it with historical evidence from early church fathers, asserting that writers from the second, third, and fourth centuries attested to the continuation of miraculous gifts. Guzik also quotes Charles Spurgeon on the value of the “gift of helps” and the importance of every member contributing to the body, and references John Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress” as an allegory for the ministry of helps within the church.

Empowered for Mission: The Great Commission Unveiled (Ligonier Ministries) references Dr. Roger Nicole, a prominent 20th-century theologian, using his analogy of the “standard yardstick” to explain the reliability of textual transmission and the reconstruction of the biblical text. The preacher also alludes to the Apostles’ Creed in discussing the ascension and session of Christ.

Embracing the Supernatural in Our Faith Journey (SermonIndex.net) explicitly references several Christian authors and leaders in its discussion of Mark 16:17-18. A.W. Tozer is quoted as saying that the early church "exchanged the safety of inaction for the hazards of God-inspired progress," and that the power of God followed such action. The sermon also cites Martin Lloyd-Jones, who argued that the church needs "authentication" through the demonstration of supernatural power, and that orthodoxy alone is insufficient. The preacher references Welsh missionary Timothy Richard and the English Baptist Mission in Shandong, China, noting that the ability to cast out demons and heal diseases was a significant factor in the spread of the gospel. J. Gresham Machen is also mentioned, emphasizing the importance of returning to the origins of Christianity to understand the church’s true nature and mission. These references are used to support the argument that the supernatural is both biblically and historically normative for the church.

Mark 16:17-18 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Empowered for Mission: The Great Commission Unveiled (Ligonier Ministries) uses the analogy of the “standard yardstick” housed in the Bureau of Standards and Measurements in Washington, D.C., to illustrate the process of reconstructing the original biblical text from copies, emphasizing the precision and reliability of textual criticism even in the absence of the original manuscript.

Embracing the Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit (The Frontier Church) provides a detailed secular illustration from the preacher’s personal experience during a tornado disaster in Lady Lake. The preacher recounts how, through obedience to what he believed was God’s prompting, he was able to secure heavy machinery for relief efforts by following a series of seemingly random directions, culminating in a providential encounter with a company specializing in tree removal. This story is used as an analogy for the kind of faith and obedience that opens believers to the power and signs described in Mark 16:17-18. The preacher also references the “Dukes of Hazzard” when describing his drive down a dirt road, using popular culture to make the story vivid and relatable.

Activating the Authority of the Believer in Christ (Vivid Church) uses several secular analogies to illustrate the concept of spiritual authority. The preacher references spy and government agent television shows, where access to secret areas is controlled by key cards, to explain how believers often possess but fail to use their spiritual "access key" in Christ. The analogy of hotel key cards that need to be recharged is used to depict the need for believers to recognize and activate their authority. The sermon also draws on the metaphor of a police officer’s badge and uniform to explain the difference between authority and power, and how authority is delegated by a higher agency. Additionally, the preacher shares a personal story about buying sports cards at a show, where invoking the name of a trusted relative ("Larry said give me a good one") would have granted special access or favor, illustrating the importance of knowing and using the authority of Jesus’ name. The concept of "fumbling the ball" is explained to international friends as a metaphor for human failure, reinforcing the point that spiritual authority is not based on personal performance but on Christ’s finished work. The sermon also references the obsolescence of DVDs and the transition to streaming as a way of expressing the desire to witness the works of Jesus firsthand.

Embracing the Supernatural: Faith, Obedience, and Urgency (SermonIndex.net) uses the analogy of operating heavy equipment and the reverence required when digging near high-pressure gas lines or high-voltage electrical cables to illustrate the fear of God. The preacher describes the practice of marking underground utilities with "USA" (Underground Service Alert) and the financial consequences of damaging fiber optic lines, drawing a parallel to the need for reverence and caution in handling spiritual realities. The sermon also references the process of writing and publishing books, including interactions with major publishing houses and the challenges of editing, as a modern example of starting with what one has and trusting God to multiply it. The preacher shares personal experiences of starting a church with minimal resources, using the story to encourage listeners to act in faith with whatever is available, rather than waiting for ideal conditions. The illustration of the rainbow as a symbol of God’s covenant is also used to challenge contemporary cultural appropriations of biblical imagery.