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Book of Mark - Chapter 16 - Verse 20

16:20
And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Meaning

After Jesus' resurrection, he appeared to his disciples and gave them the Great Commission to go out into the world and preach the Gospel to all nations. This verse captures the essence of the disciples carrying out this mission. As they went forth preaching everywhere, the Lord worked with them, confirming their words with miraculous signs and wonders. This demonstrates the power of God at work through his followers, validating the message they proclaimed. The disciples' obedience to Jesus' command, coupled with divine intervention, resulted in the spread of the Gospel throughout the known world at that time.

As believers today, we are called to continue this work of spreading the Good News and making disciples of all nations. Just as the Lord was with the disciples in their mission, he promises to be with us as we share the message of salvation. This verse reminds us of the supernatural power that accompanies the preaching of the Gospel and serves as an encouragement for us to step out in faith, knowing that God is at work in and through us.

May we be emboldened by the example of the early disciples and trust in the Lord to confirm his word with signs following, as we continue to fulfill the Great Commission in our generation. Amen.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of the verse in question is that it underscores the divine partnership between God and His followers in spreading the message of the gospel. The phrase "the Lord working with them" highlights the idea that the disciples were not alone in their mission, but that God was actively involved in their ministry, empowering and guiding them as they preached. This collaboration between God and His followers serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience in carrying out the work of the Kingdom.

Additionally, the mention of "confirming the word with signs following" indicates the validity and truth of the message being proclaimed by the disciples. The signs and wonders that accompanied their preaching served as evidence of the power and authority behind their words, establishing the credibility of their message. This verse underscores the supernatural nature of the gospel and the role of miracles in authenticating the truth of God's Word.

In summary, this verse serves as a powerful testament to the partnership between God and His followers in spreading the gospel, as well as the miraculous confirmation of the message through signs and wonders.

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