Mark 16

Mark 16 is the final chapter of the Gospel of Mark and recounts Jesus’ resurrection, the response of the women who discovered the empty tomb, and Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances. The central subject of Mark 16 is the resurrection of Jesus and its ramifications.

Content Outline:
1. The empty tomb (verses 1-8)
2. The women’s response (verses 9-11)
3. The angel’s message (verse 12)
4. Jesus’ appearances (verses 14-18)
5. The disciples’ response (verses 19-20)

Mark 16:1-8: On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body with spices. When they arrived, they were surprised to find the stone had been rolled away from the tomb. An angel then appeared and told the women that Jesus had risen from the dead. The angel instructed them to go and tell the disciples that Jesus had risen from the dead and was waiting for them in Galilee. The women were filled with joy and ran to tell the disciples.

Mark 16:9-20: Meanwhile, Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene and the other women, but they were afraid at first. He then appeared to two of the disciples walking to Emmaus, but they did not recognize him. Later, Jesus appeared to the eleven disciples as they were gathered together in a room. Jesus then gave them the Great Commission to go and spread the gospel to all nations. He promised that he would be with them always. After this, he ascended into heaven, and the disciples worshiped him.

Mark 16:20: The final verse of Mark 16 states that the disciples went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the signs that accompanied it. This shows the power of Jesus’ resurrection and how the disciples were empowered to spread the gospel message with confidence.

Mark 16:1: And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
Commentary: Following the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome had gone to purchase spices to anoint Jesus’ body in preparation for burial.

Mark 16:2: And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
Commentary: Early in the morning on the first day of the week, they arrived at the tomb as the sun was rising.

Mark 16:3: And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?
Commentary: They were wondering how they were going to move the stone from the entrance of the tomb.

Mark 16:4: And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.
Commentary: When they arrived, they saw that the stone had already been rolled away. It must have been an incredibly large stone.

Mark 16:5: And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
Commentary: When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a long white robe. This startled them.

Mark 16:6: And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.
Commentary: The young man told them not to be afraid, and informed them that Jesus had risen from the dead and was no longer there. He pointed them to the place where they had laid Jesus.

Mark 16:7: But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
Commentary: The young man instructed them to go tell Jesus’ disciples and Peter that He would meet them in Galilee, just as He had promised.

Mark 16:8: And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.
Commentary: The women left quickly, overwhelmed with fear and amazement. They said nothing to anyone out of fear.

Mark 16:9: Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
Commentary: On the first day of the week, Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons.

Mark 16:10: And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
Commentary: Mary Magdalene went to tell the other disciples who had been with Jesus, as they were weeping.

Mark 16:11 And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. –
Commentary: The disciples’ disbelief in the resurrection of Jesus shows that faith, while essential, is often a struggle.

Mark 16:12 After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. –
Commentary: Even after resurrection, Jesus still chose to appear in different forms, showing that He is capable of transcending physical limitations.

Mark 16:13 And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them. –
Commentary: Disbelief in the resurrection is persistent and can be difficult to overcome.

Mark 16:14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. –
Commentary: Jesus rebuked the disciples for their unbelief, demonstrating His love for them even in their struggles.

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. –
Commentary: Jesus commands His disciples to spread the gospel to all nations, reminding us of the importance of sharing the Good News.

Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. –
Commentary: Belief and baptism are key components of salvation, and faith is a requirement for entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; –
Commentary: Those who believe in Jesus will have the power to cast out demons and speak in tongues, signs of the Holy Spirit at work.

Mark 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. –
Commentary: Believers will have miraculous powers, such as being able to handle dangerous animals and heal the sick.

Mark 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. –
Commentary: Jesus ascends to Heaven, showing that He is the Son of God and deserving of our worship and devotion.

Mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. –
Commentary: Jesus works with His disciples to spread the Gospel, and confirms His Word with miraculous signs.