John Calvin 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)

And sat down at the right hand of God. In other passages I have explained what is meant by this expression: namely, that Christ was raised on high, that he might be exalted above angels and all creatures; that by his agency the Father might govern the world; and, in short, that before him every knee might bow (Philippians 2:10). It is the same as if he were called God’s Deputy, to represent the person of God. Therefore, we must not imagine any one place, since the right hand is a metaphor which denotes the power that is next to God. This was purposely added by Mark to inform us that Christ was taken up into heaven, not to enjoy blessed rest at a distance from us, but to govern the world for the salvation of all believers.

And they went out and preached. Mark here notices briefly those events of which Luke continues the history in his second book³²⁵: that the voice of a small and dispersed body of men resounded even to the extremities of the world. For exactly in proportion as the fact was less credible, so much the more clearly was a miracle of heavenly power displayed in it.

Every person would have thought that, by the death of the cross, Christ would either be altogether extinguished, or so completely overwhelmed, that he would never be mentioned again except with shame and loathing. The apostles, whom he had chosen to be his witnesses, had basely deserted him and had retreated to darkness and concealment. Such was their ignorance and lack of education, and such was the contempt in which they were held, that they hardly dared to utter a word in public.

Was it to be expected that men who were unlearned, held in no esteem, and had even deserted their Master, should, by the sound of their voice, reduce so many scattered nations into subjection to him who had been crucified?

There is great emphasis, therefore, in the words, they went out and preached everywhere—men who only recently had shut themselves up, trembling and silent, in their prison. For it was impossible that such a sudden change could be accomplished in a moment by human power; and therefore Mark adds:

The Lord working with them; by which he means that this was truly a divine work. And yet, by this mode of expression, he does not represent them as sharing their work or labor with the grace of God, as if they contributed anything to it of themselves. Instead, it simply means that they were assisted by God. This is because, according to the flesh, they would have attempted in vain what was actually performed by them. The ministers of the word, I acknowledge, are called fellow-workers with God (1 Corinthians 3:9), because he makes use of their agency. However, we ought to understand that they have no power beyond what he bestows, and that by planting and watering they do no good, unless the increase comes from the secret efficacy of the Spirit.

And confirming the word. Here, in my opinion, Mark points out a particular instance of what he had previously stated in general terms. There were indeed other methods by which the Lord wrought with them, so that the preaching of the gospel might not be fruitless. But this was a striking proof of his assistance: that he confirmed their doctrine by miracles.

Now this passage shows what use we ought to make of miracles, if we are not to apply them to perverse corruptions: namely, that they aid the gospel. Hence it follows that God’s holy order is subverted if miracles are separated from the word of God, to which they are appendages, and if they are employed to adorn wicked doctrines or to disguise corrupt modes of worship.

³²⁵ That inspired book which is now generally known by the name of The Acts of the Apostles, was often denominated, by older writers, , was often denominated, by older writers, Second Luke. — . — Ed.