The women at the tomb
Mark 16:1–8FocusThe announcement of resurrection
Connection to the wholeThe women find the tomb open and hear that Jesus is risen, receiving a message for the disciples and Peter.
interpretation Mark 16:20
KJVAnd they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Read it in context
Commission and ascension
Start reading at Mark 16:15 (Mark 16:15 to Mark 16:20).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus commissions proclamation and speaks of the response to the gospel; the narrative closes with His ascension and the disciples' preaching.
- 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
- 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
- 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
- 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
- 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
- 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Mark, traditionally identified as John Mark and associated with Peter's preaching, is the author named by early church testimony. Biblical references: Acts 12:12; 1 Peter 5:13. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Mark 16:1–16:20): Women visit the tomb and receive the announcement; the KJV chapter also recounts appearances to Mary Magdalene, two travelers, and the eleven and records the commission. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers who needed explanations of Jewish customs and Aramaic words, indicating a substantial Gentile audience. An association with Rome is early tradition, not an explicit address in the Gospel. Biblical references: Mark 5:41; Mark 7:3; Mark 7:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Commission and ascension. Read Mark 16:15 through Mark 16:20 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus commissions proclamation and speaks of the response to the gospel; the narrative closes with His ascension and the disciples' preaching. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account begins with John the Baptist and follows Jesus' public ministry through His death and resurrection. It does not give a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Galilee, surrounding regions, the journey toward Jerusalem, and Jerusalem form the main narrative movement. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Commission and ascension (Mark 16:15 to Mark 16:20). Start reading at Mark 16:15. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Mark explicitly presents the gospel of Jesus Christ and connects His service with giving His life a ransom for many. His identity and the call to follow Him shape the narrative. See Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Follow Jesus with obedient service rather than status-seeking. Read predictions of suffering and calls to discipleship alongside accounts of power and deliverance. interpretation
Cited: Mark 16:15, Mark 16:20, Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45
Who wrote it, and how we know
John Mark, recording Peter's preaching (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionPapias, quoting an earlier elder, records that Mark wrote down Peter's preaching accurately.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Related passages
- they went Acts 2:1-28
- the Lord Acts 4:30 Acts 5:12 Acts 8:4-6 Acts 14:3,8-10 Rom 15:19 1 Cor 2:4-5 1 Cor 3:6-9 2 Cor 6:1
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Mark 16
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening. This outline follows the full chapter as printed in the site's KJV text.
Appearances and unbelief
Mark 16:9–14FocusWitness received reluctantly
Connection to the wholeThe reports and appearances confront the disciples' unbelief, preparing for their commission as witnesses.
interpretation FocusGospel proclamation
Connection to the wholeJesus commissions proclamation and speaks of the response to the gospel; the narrative closes with His ascension and the disciples' preaching.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Mark
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
The ministry prepared
Mark 1:1–13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeThe brief opening introduces Jesus and His forerunner, moving rapidly toward the proclamation of the kingdom.
interpretation Authority and opposition
Mark 1:14–3:6FocusTeaching, deliverance, and conflict
Connection to the wholeJesus' works and teaching draw followers while controversies bring the first explicit plot against Him.
interpretation The expanding ministry
Mark 3:7–8:26FocusDisciples, crowds, and understanding
Connection to the wholeTeaching, mighty works, and varied responses repeatedly expose both Jesus' authority and the disciples' difficulty understanding.
interpretation The way to Jerusalem
Mark 8:27–10:52FocusThe Messiah's suffering and following
Connection to the wholePeter's confession is followed by repeated passion predictions and teaching that redefines greatness and discipleship through service.
interpretation Jerusalem and coming judgment
Mark 11:1–13:37FocusTemple conflict and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeJesus' actions and disputes in Jerusalem lead into His teaching about coming troubles and the command to watch.
interpretation FocusDeath, the empty tomb, and proclamation
Connection to the wholeBetrayal, trial, and crucifixion lead to the resurrection proclamation and commission recorded in the KJV's final chapter.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.