The signs that "accompany" believers aren't just random perks; they are intrinsically linked to the authority of Jesus' name, proving that these actions flow from Him, not the individual. This highlights a crucial distinction: the apostles acted in his name, distinguishing them from Jesus himself, who acted by his own divine authority.
And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just appeared to his disciples after his resurrection, yet some still doubt, showing their disbelief even after seeing him. He commissions them to go into all the world and preach the gospel to everyone, promising that these miraculous signs will accompany those who believe as confirmation of their faith.
Why does Jesus say believers will cast out demons and speak in new tongues? It's not about their own strength, but about whose name they operate in.
The verse states, 'in my name they will cast out demons.' This is crucial! The power doesn't originate from the believer themselves, but from Jesus. He is granting them His authority. Think of it like a police officer. They have the authority to make an arrest not because they are personally stronger than the suspect, but because they represent the authority of the law. In the same way, believers operate under Jesus' divine authority when they exercise these spiritual gifts.
Were these 'signs' meant for every single believer, all the time? Or did they serve a specific purpose in the early church?
The Bible scholars note that these signs 'shall follow them that believe.' This suggests they accompany faith, particularly in the foundational period of the church. Miracles like casting out demons and speaking in new tongues served as powerful evidence to authenticate the message of the gospel and the apostles who preached it. They weren't necessarily intended for every believer in every generation, but were crucial tools for establishing Christianity in a world that needed undeniable proof of Jesus' resurrection and power.
Understand the original words
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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.
The promise of signs following believers is directly linked to the period immediately after Jesus' resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit, serving as powerful validation for the nascent Christian message.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Resurrection and Appearances
Following Jesus' crucifixion and burial, he rose from the dead. He appeared to his disciples and followers over a period of 40 days, confirming his resurrection and commissioning them.
c. AD 30
The Great Commission
Jesus instructed his disciples to go into all the world, preach the gospel, baptize believers, and teach them to obey his commands, promising his presence with them.
c. AD 33
Pentecost and the Coming of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and other believers in Jerusalem, empowering them to speak in new languages and perform miracles, fulfilling Jesus' promises.
c. AD 33-60
Early Spread of the Gospel
The apostles and early Christians actively preached the gospel, facing opposition but seeing the church grow as signs and wonders accompanied their ministry.
c. AD 48-60
Paul's Missionary Journeys
The Apostle Paul, empowered by the Holy Spirit, traveled extensively, establishing churches and continuing to see miraculous signs accompany his ministry.
This passage directly fulfills the prophecy of speaking in new tongues on the day of Pentecost, demonstrating the power of the Holy Spirit empowering believers.
1 Corinthians 12:10This passage lists 'tongues' as one of the spiritual gifts given to the early church, aligning with the signs mentioned in Mark.
Acts 8:7This passage shows Philip casting out demons in Jesus' name in Samaria, illustrating the fulfillment of another sign for believers.
1 Corinthians 14:22This passage explains that speaking in tongues is a sign for unbelievers, highlighting the evangelistic purpose of these miraculous signs accompanying believers.
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 signs that "accompany" believers aren't just random perks; they are intrinsically linked to the authority of Jesus' name, proving that these actions flow from Him, not the individual. This highlights a crucial distinction: the apostles acted in his name, distinguishing them from Jesus himself, who acted by his own divine authority.
Jesus has just appeared to his disciples after his resurrection, yet some still doubt, showing their disbelief even after seeing him. He commissions them to go into all the world and preach the gospel to everyone, promising that these miraculous signs will accompany those who believe as confirmation of their faith.
Jesus has just appeared to his disciples after his resurrection, yet some still doubt, showing their disbelief even after seeing him. He commissions them to go into all the world and preach the gospel to everyone, promising that these miraculous signs will accompany those who believe as confirmation of their faith.
"And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay…" — The signs that "accompany" believers aren't just random perks; they are intrinsically linked to the authority of Jesus' name, proving that these actions flow from Him, not the individual. This highli…
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Last reviewed October 2026
