The Great Commission Mark 16:9-20

The Great Commission in Mark 16:9-20

"Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. 

And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 

He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;  

they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover".

Christ Ascends to God's Right Hand

So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. 

And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen." Mark 16:14-20

The Great Commission is pronounced here and in each of the three Gospels (Matthew 28:19,20; Luke 24:47; John 20:21). 

Understanding the Gospel Message

Gospel - The Greek word was originally used to describe the "good news" of military victory brought from a messenger to his commander. It then came to mean simply a "good message". In the NT it means the Good News of salvation: Jesus Christ came to earth to conquer the sin and evil which plague this world by living a sinless life and sacrificially offering Himself on the Cross. In obedience to Christ's command (16:15), the apostles continued to share this Good News with the rest of the world because it is Christ's life-giving message to a world that is dying in it's sins.

Jesus' Approach to Evangelism and Soul-Winning

Jesus' Attitude in Evangelism

This particular passage in John 4:26 contains one of the greatest examples of soul-winners in the entire Bible:

"Jesus refused to argue with the woman. He avoided getting entangled by various theological concepts. He didn't bully her. He repeatedly spoke of the living water, which was the real and only issue. He concluded by pointing her to himself" (John 4:26)

As Christians, we have only to lift up our eyes to see the bountiful harvest of lost souls all around us. As Christians, sometimes seed is sown that will be reaped by others, but they often reap seed planted by another. God alone gives the increase. (See 1 Corinthians 3:5-9) 

The Historical Significance of the Great Commission

How the Great Commission Launched the Early Church

Jesus did in fact say give "The Great Commission". This is what inspired the Early Church to begin. The significance of Jesus saying this is it  "launches the church".  This command spurred the early church into action, spreading Christianity worldwide.

Jesus Never Fails Worship Song 

As we reflect on Christ's command to go into all the world and preach the Gospel, we're reminded of spreading the Gospel throughout the Bible. The promise that accompanied the Great Commission—"I am with you always, even to the end of the age"—assures us that Jesus never fails. This powerful worship song celebrates the unwavering faithfulness of Christ as we carry out His mission to spread the Good News to every creature.

Biblical Manuscript Evidence for Mark 16:9-20

Early Greek Manuscripts and Textual Variations

While early Greek manuscripts favor the short ending, later widespread Greek manuscripts and Old Latin versions support the long ending, becoming the basis for translations like the King James Version (KJV)

Church Fathers Who Affirmed the Longer Ending

Figures like Justin Martyr (mid-2nd century), Irenaeus (late 2nd century), Tertullian (early 3rd century), and Augustine (5th century) used or referenced the longer ending, indicating it was known and accepted by many Christians for centuries.

How the Early Church Received Mark's Ending

The early church received both endings; some traditions preserved the abrupt ending, while others incorporated the longer conclusion from a widespread manuscript tradition that provided a more traditional, fuller narrative for the resurrection. Modern Bibles often include both, with notes explaining the textual variations.

Understanding Codex Vaticanus and Sinaiticus

The Codex Vaticanus (B) and Sinaiticus (א); are Source Texts, Not Originals: They are crucial witnesses to the biblical text, not the actual original writings, which date back centuries earlier.

Mark 16:9-20 was considered canonical by many from the second century onward. 

As R.C. Sproul said, "...there is no question that Jesus gave this commission, where He said, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."  I agree. 

Continue Reading: The Great Commission Mark 16:9-20

Also Read: The Resurrection of Jesus Christ ~ He is Risen - Matthew 28