Mark 16:15-20
Chapter 16
15
Mission of the Disciples
Then he told them: “Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News to all creation.16
The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; the one who refuses to believe will be condemned.
17
Signs like these will accompany those who have believed: in my name they will cast out demons and speak new languages;
18
they will pick up snakes, and if they drink anything poisonous, they will be unharmed; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.”
19
Ascension of Jesus
So then, after speaking to them, the Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven and took his place at the right hand of God.
20
The Eleven went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message through the signs that accompanied it.]]
Commentaries
He Appears to Mary Magdalene – He Appears to Two Disciples – He Appears to the Eleven – Mission of the Disciples – Ascension of Jesus.
It also covers the disciples’ mission and Jesus’ ascension. Most biblical scholars consider these passages as later additions. They cite several reasons: the vocabulary and style differ from the rest; they are inconsistent with the previous passage (16:1-8), as they change aspects like the subject and the number of women. The account combines texts from other Gospels: the appearance to Mary Magdalene (Jn 20:11-18), the Emmaus disciples (Lk 24:13-35), the meal and mission (Lk 24:36-49; Jn 20:19-23; Mt 28:18-20), and the ascension (Lk 24:50-53). The common theme is the disciples’ disbelief; however, Jesus continues to rely on them for the mission and sends them to proclaim the Good News to all humanity.