And these signs will accompany those who believe:This phrase indicates that certain miraculous signs will follow believers, serving as evidence of their faith. In the early church, signs and wonders were often seen as validation of the apostles' message (
Acts 2:43,
Hebrews 2:4). The use of "signs" suggests a divine endorsement of the gospel message, similar to the miracles performed by Jesus during His ministry (
John 2:11). The term "accompany" implies that these signs are not the primary focus but rather a confirmation of the believers' faith and the truth of the gospel.
In My name they will drive out demons;
Driving out demons is a demonstration of authority over evil spirits, a power that Jesus frequently exercised (Mark 1:34,Luke 4:41). The phrase "In My name" emphasizes the authority of Jesus as the source of this power, reflecting the belief that His name holds divine authority (Philippians 2:9-11). This act of exorcism was a sign of the kingdom of God breaking into the world, as Jesus' ministry was characterized by the defeat of demonic forces (Matthew 12:28). The early church continued this practice, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 16:18).
they will speak in new tongues;
Speaking in new tongues refers to the miraculous ability to speak in languages previously unknown to the speaker, as first evidenced at Pentecost (Acts 2:4). This gift served as a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence and the universality of the gospel message, breaking down language barriers and symbolizing the reversal of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9). The Apostle Paul discusses the use of tongues in the church, emphasizing their role in edification and as a sign for unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:22). This phenomenon underscored the inclusivity of the gospel, reaching diverse peoples and cultures.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe speaker of this promise, Jesus is the central figure of the New Testament, whose life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of Christian faith.
2.
BelieversThe recipients of this promise, referring to those who have faith in Jesus Christ and follow His teachings.
3.
DemonsSpiritual beings opposed to God, often associated with evil and temptation, which believers are empowered to cast out in Jesus' name.
4.
New TonguesRefers to the miraculous ability to speak in languages not previously known to the speaker, a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence and power.
5.
The Early ChurchThe context in which these signs were first manifested, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, demonstrating the spread of the Gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Teaching Points
Authority in Jesus' NameBelievers are given authority to act in Jesus' name, emphasizing the power and responsibility that comes with faith.
The Role of FaithThese signs are for those who believe, highlighting the importance of faith in experiencing the fullness of God's power.
The Work of the Holy SpiritSpeaking in new tongues and casting out demons are manifestations of the Holy Spirit's work, encouraging believers to seek and rely on the Spirit.
Spiritual WarfareThe mention of driving out demons reminds believers of the reality of spiritual warfare and the victory they have in Christ.
Unity and Diversity of GiftsThe ability to speak in new tongues points to the diverse gifts within the body of Christ, promoting unity and edification.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Mark 16:17?
2.How can believers today "drive out demons" as stated in Mark 16:17?
3.What does "speak in new tongues" mean for modern Christians in Mark 16:17?
4.How does Mark 16:17 connect with the gifts of the Spirit in Acts?
5.How should Christians prepare to exercise the signs mentioned in Mark 16:17?
6.What role does faith play in experiencing the signs of Mark 16:17?
7.What does Mark 16:17 mean by "signs" that will accompany believers?
8.How should Christians interpret the promise of casting out demons in Mark 16:17?
9.Why do some Christians not experience the signs mentioned in Mark 16:17?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 16?
11.How do the miraculous signs in Mark 16:17–18 (like snake handling and drinking poison) stand up to modern scientific understanding?
12.What defines a miracle?
13.What Bible verses support Christian exorcism practices?
14.What is the purpose of speaking in tongues?What Does Mark 16:17 Mean
And these signs will accompany those who believe:Jesus states, “And these signs will accompany those who believe” (Mark 16:17). He is giving an ongoing promise, not a mere historical footnote.
• The phrase “those who believe” places the focus on every genuine believer, echoingJohn 14:12 where Jesus says that whoever believes in Him “will also do the works that I am doing.”
• The word “signs” reminds us that supernatural acts validate the gospel message, just asHebrews 2:3-4 describes God confirming His word “by signs, wonders, and various miracles.”
•Acts 5:12 records that “many signs and wonders were done among the people by the hands of the apostles,” yetActs 6:8 andActs 8:6 show God using other believers (Stephen, Philip) in the same way—underscoring the breadth of the promise.
•Mark 16:20 later affirms, “They went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them, confirming the word by the signs that accompanied it.” Christ continues to do this whenever and wherever the gospel is faithfully proclaimed.
In My name they will drive out demons;Authority is the key idea. Believers confront evil “in My name,” meaning under Christ’s delegated authority.
• When the seventy-two returned, they rejoiced, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name” (Luke 10:17). Their experience foreshadows this promise for all believers.
• The early church exercised this authority: Paul commanded a spirit to leave a slave girl “in the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 16:18), and evil spirits came out.
•Acts 8:7 notes, “With loud shrieks, unclean spirits came out of many,” showing demon-expulsion accompanying gospel advance beyond the Twelve.
• Deliverance today still rests on Christ’s finished victory (Colossians 2:15), requiring faith, holiness, and reliance on prayer (Mark 9:29). The promise stands literal and active until Jesus returns.
they will speak in new tongues;“New tongues” are Spirit-given languages unknown to the speaker.
• At Pentecost “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues” (Acts 2:4); the crowd heard “our own languages” (Acts 2:11). This inaugural sign announced the gospel for every nation.
• Cornelius’s household spoke in tongues when the Spirit fell (Acts 10:46), confirming God’s acceptance of Gentiles.
• Believers at Ephesus did the same (Acts 19:6); Paul lists tongues among the gifts in1 Corinthians 12:10 and provides guidelines in chapters 12-14.
• The expression “new” highlights freshness and divine origin, parallelingIsaiah 28:11’s prophecy of God speaking “with stammering lips and another tongue.”
• While not every believer receives this particular gift (1 Corinthians 12:30), the promise remains available, testifying to the living presence of the Holy Spirit and aiding prayer and praise (1 Corinthians 14:2, 14-17).
summaryMark 16:17 gives a clear, literal promise from Jesus that supernatural signs accompany genuine believers: confirmation of the gospel through divine power, authority over demonic forces in His name, and Spirit-empowered speech in new tongues. These signs began in the first century, continued throughout church history, and remain available today wherever the risen Christ is preached and believed.
(17)
They shall speak with new tongues.--This is noticeable as being the only distinct reference in the Gospels to the form of the Pentecostal gift. The promise of the Spirit itself had been prominent, however, throughout our Lord's teaching (
Luke 11:13;
John 14:17;
John 14:26), and appears from
Acts 1:8 to have been specially renewed between the Resurrection and Ascension. On the nature of the gift itself, see Notes on
Acts 2:4;
Acts 10:46;
Acts 19:6;
1Corinthians 12:10;
1Corinthians 14:4-26. . . .
Verses 17, 18. -
And these signs shall follow them that believe. Such evidences were necessary in the first dawn of Christianity, to attract attention to the doctrine; but our Lord's words do not mean that they were to be in perpetuity, as a continually recurring evidence of the truth of Christianity. St. Gregory (on
1 Corinthians 14:22) says, "These signs were necessary in the beginning of Christianity. In order that faith might take root and increase, it must be nourished by miracle; for so even we, when we plant shrubs, only water them until we see that they are taking root, and when we see that they have rooted themselves, we cease to water them. And this is what St. Paul means where he says 'Tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe, but to the unbelieving' (
1 Corinthians 14:22)."
In my name shall they cast out devils. St. Mark, of all the evangelists, dwells most perhaps on this, as characteristic of our Lord's work, and as the evidence of his supreme dominion over the spiritual world
. They shall speak with new tongues. This was the first intimation of the great miracle to be inaugurated on the day of Pentecost. The gift was continued but for a very limited time.
They shall take up serpents. The instance of St. Paul at Melita (
Acts 28:3-5) would be familiar to St. Mark's readers.
And if they drink any deadly thing, it shall in no wise hurt them. There are some few traditionary notices of the fulfillment of this promise; as in the case of "Justus Barsabas," mentioned by Eusebius ('H.E.,' 3, 19), and of St. John, mentioned by St. Augustine. It may be observed of this passage, that no one could have interpolated it after the cessation of the signs to which it refers, which took place very early.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Andδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.theseταῦτα(tauta)Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.signsσημεῖα(sēmeia)Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4592:Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of semaino; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally.will accompanyπαρακολουθήσει(parakolouthēsei)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5023:This; he, she, it. Nominative or accusative case neuter plural of houtos; these things.thoseτοῖς(tois)Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.who believe:πιστεύσασιν(pisteusasin)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4100:From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.Inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.Myμου(mou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.nameὀνόματί(onomati)Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3686:Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.they will drive outἐκβαλοῦσιν(ekbalousin)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1544:To throw (cast, put) out; I banish; I bring forth, produce. From ek and ballo; to eject.demons;δαιμόνια(daimonia)Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1140:An evil-spirit, demon; a heathen deity. Neuter of a derivative of daimon; a d?Monic being; by extension a deity.they will speakλαλήσουσιν(lalēsousin)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2980:A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.in newκαιναῖς(kainais)Adjective - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2537:Fresh, new, unused, novel. Of uncertain affinity; newtongues;γλώσσαις(glōssais)Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1100:The tongue; by implication, a language.
Links
Mark 16:17 NIVMark 16:17 NLTMark 16:17 ESVMark 16:17 NASBMark 16:17 KJV
Mark 16:17 BibleApps.comMark 16:17 Biblia ParalelaMark 16:17 Chinese BibleMark 16:17 French BibleMark 16:17 Catholic Bible
NT Gospels: Mark 16:17 These signs will accompany those who believe: (Mar Mk Mr) 
