Mark Chapter 16: The Resurrection and Commission

Mark chapter 16 concludes the Gospel of Mark with the pivotal event of Jesus’ resurrection and His commission to the disciples, affirming His victory over death and the global mission of the gospel. This chapter, particularly verses 9–20, has been the subject of scholarly discussion due to textual variants, as some early manuscripts end at verse 8. However, the traditional longer ending (Mark 16:9–20) is included in most translations, including the ESV, and has been accepted in the historic Christian tradition. This exposition uses the English Standard Version (ESV) for references, includes cross-references to other Scriptures, and addresses the chapter’s themes and theological significance.

1. The Empty Tomb (Mark 16:1–8)

The chapter opens with women visiting Jesus’ tomb after His crucifixion: “When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him” (Mark 16:1). Their devotion to Jesus, even after His death, reflects their love, though they expect to find a sealed tomb (cf. Luke 23:55–56). The timing, “very early on the first day of the week” (Mark 16:2), aligns with Sunday, marking the significance of the resurrection as the foundation of Christian worship (cf. Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2).

Arriving, they find “the stone, which was very large, had been rolled back” (Mark 16:4). A “young man” (likely an angel) dressed in white announces, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him” (Mark 16:5–6). This proclamation confirms Jesus’ resurrection, fulfilling His predictions (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:34; cf. Matthew 28:5–7). The angel instructs them to “tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee” (Mark 16:7), highlighting Jesus’ restoration of Peter despite his denial (Mark 14:66–72; cf. John 21:15–19).

The women’s response is mixed: “They went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid” (Mark 16:8). Their fear reflects the overwhelming nature of the event (cf. Luke 24:5), though other Gospels clarify they eventually shared the news (Matthew 28:8; John 20:18). Some manuscripts end here, creating an abrupt conclusion, but the longer ending (verses 9–20) continues the narrative, consistent with early Christian testimony.

2. Jesus’ Post-Resurrection Appearances (Mark 16:9–14)

The longer ending begins with Jesus’ appearances, summarizing events detailed in other Gospels. “Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons” (Mark 16:9; cf. John 20:11–18; Luke 8:2). Mary’s transformation from demon-possession to faithful witness underscores Jesus’ redemptive power. She tells the disciples, but “they would not believe it” (Mark 16:11), revealing their initial skepticism (cf. Luke 24:10–11).

Jesus then appears “in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country” (Mark 16:12), likely referring to the Emmaus road encounter (Luke 24:13–35). Again, the disciples “did not believe them” (Mark 16:13). Finally, Jesus appears to the eleven disciples, rebuking “their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen” (Mark 16:14; cf. John 20:19–29). This emphasizes human doubt but also Jesus’ patience in confirming His resurrection.

3. The Great Commission (Mark 16:15–18)

Jesus commissions the disciples: “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:15–16). This mandate parallels Matthew 28:19–20 and Acts 1:8, expanding the mission from Israel to all nations (cf. Isaiah 49:6). Baptism, linked to belief, signifies entry into the new covenant community (cf. Acts 2:38), while unbelief leads to judgment (cf. John 3:18).

Jesus describes signs accompanying believers: “In my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover” (Mark 16:17–18). These signs, some unique to Mark, recall apostolic miracles (Acts 16:18; 2:4; 28:3–5; 19:12) and confirm the gospel’s power. While not normative for all believers, they reflect God’s supernatural work in the early church (cf. Hebrews 2:4).

4. Jesus’ Ascension and the Disciples’ Mission (Mark 16:19–20)

The chapter closes with Jesus’ ascension: “So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God” (Mark 16:19). This fulfills Psalm 110:1 and Daniel 7:13–14, affirming Jesus’ exaltation and authority (cf. Acts 1:9–11; Ephesians 1:20–21). The disciples obey, “[going] out and [preaching] everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs” (Mark 16:20). This underscores the partnership between divine empowerment and human obedience, with miracles validating their message (cf. Acts 14:3).

Textual Considerations

The authenticity of Mark 16:9–20 is debated, as some early manuscripts (e.g., Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Vaticanus) end at verse 8, while others include the longer ending. However, the longer ending appears in most later manuscripts and is cited by early church fathers like Irenaeus (c. 180 AD). The content aligns with other Gospels and Acts, supporting its theological consistency. Whether original or an early addition, it faithfully conveys the resurrection and commission central to Christian faith.

Theological Themes and Application

Mark 16 proclaims the resurrection as the climax of Jesus’ mission, validating His identity as the Son of God (Romans 1:4). The empty tomb and appearances overcome doubt, inviting faith. The Great Commission calls believers to share the gospel globally, trusting in Christ’s authority and presence (cf. Matthew 28:20). The signs accompanying the message highlight God’s power, though the focus remains on proclaiming salvation through faith.

For modern readers, Mark 16 challenges fear and unbelief, as seen in the women and disciples, with the reality of the risen Christ. It also urges active participation in the mission, relying on the Spirit’s empowerment (Acts 1:8). The ascension assures believers of Jesus’ reign and intercession (Hebrews 7:25), providing confidence in the gospel’s triumph.

Conclusion

Mark chapter 16 encapsulates the hope and mission of the gospel. From the empty tomb to the ascension, it declares Jesus’ victory over death and His call to proclaim salvation to all. Cross-references to Old and New Testaments highlight the fulfillment of God’s plan, while the narrative invites readers to trust the risen Lord and join His mission.