Mark Chapter 16

**Summary of Mark Chapter 16**

**Mark Chapter 16** is the final chapter of the Gospel of Mark, focusing on the events surrounding the **resurrection of Jesus**. It recounts the discovery of the empty tomb, the appearance of the risen Jesus to His disciples, and His final instructions to them. The chapter emphasizes the victory over death, the power of belief, and the mission to spread the gospel.

### **The Women Visit the Empty Tomb (Verses 1-4)**

The chapter begins with **Mary Magdalene**, **Mary the mother of James**, and **Salome** heading to the tomb of Jesus early in the morning on the first day of the week, after the Sabbath had ended. They bring spices with them to anoint His body, an act of devotion and respect for the dead. As they walk, they worry about how they will roll away the large stone that sealed the tomb.

When they arrive, however, they find that the stone, which was very large, has already been rolled away. This sets the stage for the revelation of Jesus’ resurrection, which is central to the Christian faith.

### **The Angel Announces the Resurrection (Verses 5-7)**

Upon entering the tomb, the women encounter a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side. This figure is generally understood to be an angel. The women are alarmed, but the angel reassures them, telling them not to be afraid. He announces that Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified, has **risen from the dead** and is no longer in the tomb.

The angel instructs the women to go and tell the disciples, particularly **Peter**, that Jesus is going ahead of them to **Galilee**, where they will see Him. This mention of Peter is significant, as Peter had denied Jesus three times, and the angel's specific reference to him reflects the restoration and forgiveness that Jesus offers.

### **The Women Flee in Fear (Verse 8)**

Despite the angel’s instructions, verse 8 records that the women fled from the tomb, trembling and bewildered. They were so overwhelmed by fear that they initially said nothing to anyone. This abrupt ending, found in some early manuscripts of Mark, reflects the awe and fear that often accompanied divine encounters in biblical accounts. The women’s reaction highlights the shock and mystery of the resurrection.

### **Additional Endings and Appearances (Verses 9-20)**

Some later manuscripts of Mark’s Gospel include additional verses (9-20) that describe further appearances of Jesus and His final instructions to the disciples. These verses are not found in the earliest manuscripts, leading some scholars to suggest that they may have been added later to provide a more complete ending to the Gospel. Nonetheless, they are widely accepted in Christian tradition.

#### **Appearance to Mary Magdalene (Verses 9-11)**

Verses 9-11 describe Jesus’ first post-resurrection appearance to **Mary Magdalene**. After seeing Him, she goes to tell the disciples, who are mourning and weeping. However, they do not believe her when she reports that Jesus is alive.

#### **Appearance to Two Disciples (Verses 12-13)**

Jesus then appears in a different form to two other disciples as they are walking in the countryside. This account is similar to the story of the disciples on the road to **Emmaus** found in Luke’s Gospel (Luke 24:13-35). When these two disciples report what they have seen, the others still do not believe.

#### **Jesus Appears to the Eleven (Verses 14-18)**

In verses 14-18, Jesus appears to the **Eleven** disciples as they are eating, rebuking them for their lack of faith and their refusal to believe the reports of His resurrection. He then commissions them with the Great Commission, instructing them to "go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."

Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith and baptism, stating that those who believe and are baptized will be saved, while those who do not believe will be condemned. He also speaks of miraculous signs that will accompany believers, including the ability to cast out demons, speak in new tongues, handle snakes, and heal the sick. These signs would demonstrate the power of God working through the disciples as they spread the gospel.

#### **The Ascension of Jesus (Verses 19-20)**

The chapter concludes with a brief account of the **Ascension**. After giving His final instructions, Jesus is taken up into heaven and sits at the right hand of God. The disciples then go out and preach the gospel everywhere, with the Lord working with them and confirming His word through the accompanying signs.

### **Conclusion**

**Mark Chapter 16** serves as the triumphant conclusion to the Gospel, focusing on the resurrection of Jesus and His victory over death. The empty tomb and the angel’s announcement affirm that Jesus has risen, fulfilling His promises and the prophecies about the Messiah. The appearances of the risen Christ to His disciples further confirm His resurrection and reinforce their mission to spread the gospel to the world.

Despite initial disbelief and fear, the disciples are ultimately empowered by Jesus’ resurrection and His final commission to preach the gospel. The chapter emphasizes themes of faith, the importance of belief in the risen Christ, and the continuation of Jesus’ mission through His followers, who are called to carry the message of salvation to all nations.