Daily Devotions
Mark
Acts 5:31 "Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Saviour, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins." Acts 5:31"
Day 359 – Mark 16
“Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Saviour, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.” Acts 5:31
THE ISSUE OF “SIGNS”
Part of the reasons why Mark is controversial involves the following text (Mark 16:17-18). Let us take time to study the text very carefully.
“And these signs will follow those who believe…”
MARK 16:17
Let us consider the following questions as we grapple with the text! (Some have claimed that these powers are available to every believer. Is this true?)
1. To whom was Jesus speaking?
The immediate context would suggest the fact that Jesus was addressing “the eleven” (Mark 16: 14).
2. Is there a comparative passage where Jesus mentioned the giving of special powers?
Yes! In Mark 6, we read about Jesus especially empowering His disciples!
“And He called the twelve to Himself,
and began to send them out two by two,
and gave them power over unclean spirits.”
MARK 6:7
Mark 6 also recorded their phenomenal success in ministry.
“So they went out and preached that people should repent.
And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil
many who were sick, and healed them.”
MARK 6:12-13
3. Did history record who wielded such powers?
The Book of Acts is an important book of history of the 1st Century Church. Luke the historian made this important entry.
“And with great power the apostles gave witness
to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.
And great grace was upon them all.”
ACTS 4:33
A SUMMARY OF OBSERVATIONS
The following things may be observed:-
1. At no time was special powers given to every believer
There were thousands of believers. While great grace was experienced by all, great power was restricted to the apostles!
2. The “signs”
The apostle Paul offers this invaluable word concerning signs and apostleship.
“Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished
among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders
and mighty deeds.”
2 CORINTHIANS 12:12