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Book of Mark - Chapter 16 - Verse 17

16:17
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

Meaning

The verse "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;" in the Bible highlights the supernatural abilities that will be bestowed upon believers. The signs mentioned in this verse serve as evidence of the power and authority that comes with faith in Jesus Christ. The ability to cast out demons in the name of Jesus signifies the spiritual warfare that believers engage in, demonstrating their authority over evil forces. Additionally, the mention of speaking in new tongues refers to the gift of speaking in unknown languages, which is commonly associated with the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This gift allows believers to communicate with God in a deeper, more intimate way, and it can also be a means of edifying and encouraging others. Ultimately, this verse emphasizes the transformative nature of faith and the miraculous manifestations that accompany a genuine belief in Jesus Christ.

Theological Overview

In this verse, Jesus is addressing his disciples and explaining the signs that will follow those who believe in him. The first sign mentioned is the ability to cast out demons in his name. This act of spiritual warfare demonstrates the authority and power that believers have through Jesus Christ. The phrase "in my name" emphasizes the importance of acting in accordance with Jesus' will and for his glory. The second sign mentioned is the ability to speak with new tongues. This is often interpreted as the gift of speaking in tongues, which the early church experienced on the day of Pentecost according to Acts 2. Speaking in tongues is seen as a gift of the Holy Spirit that enables believers to communicate with God in a deeper, more intimate way. Overall, these signs serve as evidence of the transformative power of faith in Jesus and the supernatural abilities that believers can access through him.

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