Mark 16:17-18 17And these signs will follow those who believe; in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18and with their hands they will pick up snakes, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will become well.”
The disciples would experience miracles as they went into all the world with the good news about Jesus and the kingdom. Signs (sēmeia) are actions that symbolize something else. As readers, we are prompted to consider how these signs represent faith. There are two conditions for experiencing these miracles. The first is the need to believe (pisteusasin), the same root word for faith. Faith in Jesus has been the constant call throughout Mark’s Gospel. Those who believe in Jesus experience the power of healing and new life. Verse 17 is the direct answer and opposite to the unbelief the disciples had in verse 14. Seeing Jesus turned their doubt to assurance. They would be able to experience what Jesus mentions in these verses. The second condition is doing the miracles in Jesus’ name. To do something in someone’s name means as that person’s representative and with that person’s authority. The disciples could not do anything on their own. It would all be because of their connection in faith to Jesus and their recognition of his lordship.
Several of the signs listed were experienced in the early church. Casting out demons is mentioned in Acts 8:7; 16:18; 19:6. Speaking in tongues is found in Acts 2; 1 Corinthians 12:10, 30; 14:2, 18. Paul experienced miraculous protection from a poisonous snakebite in Acts 28:3–6. Healing by laying on hands is mentioned in Acts 3:1–7; 14:8–10; James 5:14. There is no example of drinking deadly poison. The strangest of these is handling snakes. Satan was connected to a snake because of the story of Genesis 3, so there may be an implied message that the disciples would be able to overcome Satan.
We could interpret these verses as being far out and irrelevant to modern Christians. Yet, they express hope and assurance that God’s presence will be with those who put their trust in him. As representatives of Jesus Christ, we go out with his power and authority. If we truly believe, we can experience miracles and protection. Some people might argue that these signs were only for the earliest disciples during the first century. History and experience show that miracles still happen today. Miracles are up to God’s sovereign will and plan and not up to us or our efforts to be energetic or charismatic. We must remember that miracles must be done in Jesus’ name, not our own. There is no magic formula to use that will guarantee a miracle, like “name it and claim it.” God cannot be coerced or tricked. We trust in faith for miracles, and God will do as he desires for his glory.
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