“AND these signs shall follow them that believe; in My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 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.”
As the Lord sent forth His disciples He gave them assurances of God’s help in providing such signs and wonders. As remarked earlier in our Bible Talks these tokens were given for the period when the gospel was first preached in the world. There is nothing in what the Lord said to His disciples that indicates these signs would be for all time. They would, however, for the introduction period of the gospel, identify the disciples with heavenly power, just as we read of Jesus Himself: “A man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you.” Acts 2:2222Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: (Acts 2:22).
Again, after the Lord’s ascension into glory, we read this account: “And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people;... And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.” Acts 5:12, 1412And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. (Acts 5:12)
14And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) (Acts 5:14). There were no written New Testament Scriptures for those giving the gospel as they went forth, and great opposition confronted their message. These signs and wonders were most suitable to the introduction of the testimony.
“So then, after the Lord had spoken unto them, He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.” v. 19. Yes, the work He had come to do was finished. God was well pleased with His Son and received Him back into glory, where He now sits at God’s right hand.
After the little company who witnessed His ascent returned to Jerusalem, they were soon given the gift of the Holy Ghost (see Acts 2), and the work to which they had been called was commenced. Sad at no longer having their Lord with them, their hearts were comforted by His gracious words. His promise would be remembered: “Lo, I am with you al-way, even unto the end of the world [age].” Matthew 28:2020Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:20). They would never forget how He opened their understanding, “that they might understand the scriptures.” Luke 24:4545Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, (Luke 24:45). They would prove the blessings of the Comforter whom the Lord prosed, to guide them and show them all truth. (John 16:7-137Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. 12I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. (John 16:7‑13).) Then too there was the Lord’s assurance, “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it to you.” John 16:2323And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. (John 16:23).
We but barely touch on the proses to these who were to go forth “as sheep among wolves,” but the Holy Spirit would bring all things to their remembrance concerning their walk with the Lord, and this would encourage them to the faithful walk that was later manifested. “And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.” v. 20.
As noticed throughout the book of Mark, the Lord has presented Himself as the true Servant—humble and ever obedient. Now, though exalted to the glory, that same Servant character is still expressed in His love to those who were to follow in His steps. May we through grace seek to be more like Him.
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