And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "in my name" here signifies acting with Christ's authority, not merely invoking His name as a magic spell. This power was specifically delegated, distinguishing Jesus' own divine authority from that of His messengers who acted as instruments of His power.
And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just commissioned his disciples to go out and preach the gospel to all creation, promising salvation to those who believe and are baptized. This verse follows, detailing the supernatural signs that will accompany and confirm the faith of those who truly believe and obey His command. The context is the immediate post-resurrection period, where Jesus is equipping his followers for their mission before his ascension.
Why did Jesus promise signs to believers? What purpose did they serve in the early church?
The signs mentioned here – casting out demons and speaking in new tongues – weren't random magic tricks. They were powerful, tangible demonstrations of God's authority and approval.
A Divine Stamp of Approval
Think of these signs as God's personal endorsement on the message of the apostles and early believers. In a world where many voices claimed divine authority, these miraculous events served to authenticate the truth of the gospel.
For a World Unfamiliar with God
These weren't just for the believers themselves, but to show the world that God was powerfully at work through His messengers. They were a crucial tool in establishing the Christian faith in its foundational years.
What does it mean to act 'in Jesus' name' when it comes to spiritual power?
Jesus declared that these miraculous acts would be performed 'in my name.' This is a profound statement about authority. It’s not about the inherent power of the individual believer, but about the delegated authority given by Christ himself.
Not My Power, But His
When believers cast out demons or spoke in new tongues, they weren't relying on their own strength. They were acting as representatives of Jesus, wielding His authority against the forces of evil and communicating His message.
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A Distinction from Jesus' Own Power
As the commentaries note, Jesus often acted in His own 'underived authority.' The apostles and believers acted in His name, demonstrating that while they were instruments, the ultimate power and source was Christ.
What were these 'new tongues,' and how did they function in the early church?
The phrase 'speak with new tongues' refers to the miraculous ability to speak in languages previously unknown to the speaker. This wasn't just babbling; it was functional communication.
A Sign of Pentecost
This gift was dramatically displayed on the day of Pentecost, where people from various linguistic backgrounds heard the gospel in their own native languages (Acts 2:4-11). It was a powerful sign that the good news was for all nations.
Communication and Confirmation
These 'new tongues' served a dual purpose: they were a sign to unbelievers, demonstrating God's power to bridge communication gaps, and they were a means for believers to praise God and share His message effectively across different cultures.
Understand the original words
sēmeia · Greek Noun
Miraculous acts or proofs that serve as evidence of divine authority or the presence of the power of God.
onomati · Greek Noun
Representing the authority, character, and mission of a person; to act in someone's name is to act as their authorized representative.
daimonia · Greek Noun
Spiritual beings hostile to God and humanity; agents of evil that Christ demonstrated authority over.
This verse speaks directly to the immediate post-resurrection period and the initial spread of the gospel, when supernatural signs were crucial for establishing the Christian faith.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Resurrection and Appearances
Following Jesus' crucifixion, he was resurrected and appeared to his disciples and followers over a period of 40 days.
c. AD 30
The Great Commission Given
Jesus commissioned his disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel, promising that these signs would accompany believers.
c. AD 33
The Day of Pentecost
The Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them to speak in new tongues and perform miracles, fulfilling Jesus' promises.
c. AD 40s-50s
Early Church Growth and Miracles
The early church experienced rapid growth, with apostles like Peter and Paul performing numerous miracles, including casting out demons and healing the sick.
c. AD 62
Paul's Imprisonment and Ministry Continues
Despite imprisonment, Paul continued to write influential letters to churches, addressing issues of faith, doctrine, and the practice of spiritual gifts, including speaking in tongues.
This passage describes the moment the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to speak in other languages, directly fulfilling Jesus' promise of them speaking in 'new tongues.'
Acts 8:7Philip's ministry in Samaria, where he cast out unclean spirits and healed the paralyzed and lame, exemplifies the 'casting out demons' and healing signs that would accompany believers.
1 Corinthians 12:10Paul lists 'speaking in different kinds of tongues' and 'interpreting of tongues' as spiritual gifts, showing how the new tongues Jesus spoke of became a reality within the early church.
John 14:12Jesus told his disciples that they would do the works he did, and even greater works, reinforcing the idea that the power to perform these signs was a continuation of his own ministry through them.
Romans 8:11This verse speaks of the Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwelling in believers, hinting at the supernatural power available to them to live out God's purposes, including the manifestation of signs.
barnesMark 16:17: "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;"
And these signs - These miracles. These evidences that they are sent from God. Them that believe - The apostles, and those in the primitive age who were endowed with like power. This promise was fulfilled if it can be shown that these signs followed in the case of any who believed, and it is not necessary to suppose that they would follow in the case of all. Th…
calvinMark 16:15-18: "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
- But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17. And when they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. 18. And Jesus approached, and spoke to them, saying, All power is given to me in heaven and on the earth. 19. Go out, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghos…
The phrase "in my name" here signifies acting with Christ's authority, not merely invoking His name as a magic spell. This power was specifically delegated, distinguishing Jesus' own divine authority from that of His messengers who acted as instruments of His power.
Jesus has just commissioned his disciples to go out and preach the gospel to all creation, promising salvation to those who believe and are baptized. This verse follows, detailing the supernatural signs that will accompany and confirm the faith of those who truly believe and obey His command. The context is the immediate post-resurrection period, where Jesus is equipping his followers for their mission before his ascension.
Jesus has just commissioned his disciples to go out and preach the gospel to all creation, promising salvation to those who believe and are baptized. This verse follows, detailing the supernatural signs that will accompany and confirm the faith of those who truly believe and obey His command. The context is the immediate post-resurrection period, where Jesus is equipping his followers for their mission before his ascension.
"And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;" — The phrase "in my name" here signifies acting with Christ's authority, not merely invoking His name as a magic spell. This power was specifically delegated, distinguishing Jesus' own divine authority…
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Last reviewed October 2026