Overview
"These signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; they will place their hands on the sick, and they will be made well." — Mark 16:17-18 BSB
Mark 16:17-18 presents one of Scripture's most direct statements about supernatural signs that would follow believers after Christ's resurrection and ascension. These verses describe miraculous manifestations that would authenticate the Gospel message and demonstrate the power of God working through His followers. Jesus promised that faith in His name would produce tangible, visible evidence of the Holy Spirit's presence and activity in the lives of those who believe in Him.
Biblical Account
In Mark 16:17-18, Jesus declares what signs will accompany those who believe in Him. The passage specifies several categories of miracles: "In My name they will drive out demons" — Mark 16:17 BSB describes spiritual authority over evil forces. "they will speak in new tongues" — Mark 16:17 BSB indicates supernatural communication abilities given by the Holy Spirit. "they will pick up snakes with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them" — Mark 16:18 BSB demonstrates protection from physical harm through divine power. Finally, "they will place their hands on the sick, and they will be made well" — Mark 16:18 BSB shows that healing would be a regular manifestation among believers.
These promises were given by Jesus immediately before His ascension, serving as the capstone to His earthly ministry. The signs He promised were not intended to be novelties or entertainment but rather confirmatory evidence that would validate the message of salvation through faith in Christ. Throughout the book of Acts, we see these exact signs manifested repeatedly as the apostles and early believers proclaimed the Gospel and demonstrated the reality of Christ's resurrection power.
Theological Significance
These verses reveal fundamental truths about God's character and His commitment to His people. The promise of accompanying signs demonstrates that God actively backs His Word with power and confirmation. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." — Acts 1:8 BSB shows that the Holy Spirit's empowerment directly enables believers to fulfill their mission as witnesses. The signs promised in Mark 16 are manifestations of this promised Holy Spirit power working through believers.
Additionally, "Jesus answered, 'I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in Me will do the works I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.'" — John 14:12 BSB contextualizes these signs within Jesus' broader promise that His followers would continue and expand His miraculous ministry. The signs are not meant to glorify the believer but to point to the reality of Christ's victory and the availability of His power to those who trust in Him. "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; they will place their hands on the sick, and they will be made well." — Mark 16:17-18 BSB stands as a testament to God's willingness to demonstrate His power through ordinary believers filled with His Spirit.
Key Bible Verses
- Mark 16:17 BSB — Jesus promises that believers in His name will drive out demons and speak in new tongues.
- Mark 16:18 BSB — Jesus assures that believers will handle snakes without harm, drink poison without injury, and heal the sick.
- Acts 2:43 BSB — The early church experienced awe as the apostles performed many wonders and signs.
- Hebrews 2:4 BSB — God testifies to the message of salvation through signs, wonders, and miracles distributed by the Holy Spirit.
- Romans 15:19 BSB — Paul's Gospel ministry was confirmed through the power of the Holy Spirit manifesting in signs and wonders.
Application
Believers today should understand that the same Holy Spirit who empowered the early church is available to all who truly believe in Christ. While the specific manifestations may vary according to God's sovereign will and purpose, the principle remains that faith in Christ produces supernatural confirmation and power. We should earnestly seek the Holy Spirit's filling and ask God to demonstrate His power through us as we proclaim His Word and minister to others. As Jesus said, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." — Mark 11:24 BSB This promise invites us to approach God with confidence, trusting that He desires to work miracles through His believing people as they advance His kingdom throughout the world.