Albert Barnes Commentary Mark 16:20

"And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen." — Mark 16:20 (ASV)

They went forth. The apostles.

Everywhere. In all parts of the world. See the account in the Acts and the Epistles.

The Lord working with them. By miracles; by removing obstacles; by supporting them, and by giving the gospel success, and making it effective in saving people.

Confirming the word. Showing it to be the word of God, or a revelation from heaven.

With signs following. By accompanying miracles. By raising the dead, healing the sick, etc., as signs that God was with them, and had sent them out to preach.

Amen. Truly, indeed. So be it. This word here has no authority. There is no reason to think that it was added by Mark.

Mark is more concise than any other of the evangelists. In most instances he coincides with Matthew, though he has added some circumstances that Matthew had omitted. There is no evidence, however, that he copied from Matthew. The last chapter in Mark contains some things omitted in Matthew, and some things of grave significance.

We learn from it that the gospel is to be preached to all humanity. Everyone is to be offered eternal life, and they reject it at their peril. The condition of the one who will not believe is dreadfully awful. The Son of God has solemnly declared that such a one shall be damned.

He will judge the world, and there is no one who can deliver from his hand. No excuse will be allowed for not believing. Unless one has faith, one must be lost forever.

This is the solemn assurance of the whole Bible. In view of this awful declaration of the merciful Redeemer, how sad is the condition of one who has no confidence in Jesus, and who has never looked to him for eternal life! And how important it is that without delay, such a one should make peace with God and possess that faith that is connected with eternal life!