24. THE WENT FORTH WITH SIGNS Mark 16:20 20 And they went forth,--The apostles, whose unbelief is related in the first part of this chapter, and who witnessed the ascension of Jesus (Acts 1:2-4), now believing and obedient. and preached--The gospel (verse 15). They are carrying out the Great Commission. everywhere,--In the parts of the then inhabited world. (Romans 10:18; Colossians 1:6; Colossians 1:23.) The apostles preached the gospel to the whole world, in harmony with the Great Commission, inside of thirty-three years, and that too, free and independent of all organized missionary societies save the church of Christ. The church is the only missionary society authorized by the Lord, and it is all ever used by the apostles and inspired men. This is all that ought to be used today. It was successful then, and will be now. All human institutions attached to the church or used as aids are only parasites sucking the life's blood from the church. Every new human institution added is only a new financial burden for the church to bear. They are expensive besides being unauthorized by the Lord. Then why not leave them off and use nothing in the form of an organization except the church as the apostles did? This is God's wisdom. The Lord--Risen, ascended and exalted--King of kings, and Lord of lords. working with them,--By miracles--by removing of obstacles--by supporting them--by giving the gospel success, and making it effectual to save men; thus fulfilling his promise, "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (Matthew 28:20.) The Lord cooperated with the apostles. He brought his divine power into cooperation with their human agency. (1 Corinthians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 6:1; Ephesians 1:19.) He gave them unparalleled success. and confirming the word--Preached by the apostles, showing it to be the word of God--a revelation from heaven. by the signs that followed.--The signs of verses 17, 18. These proved the message delivered was from God. They were signs that God was with them and had sent them forth to preach. [Here was the fulfillment of the promise of verse 17. These powers were not given to all the believers in the age of the apostles, nor was the power given to any for general use--that is, this power was given not to heal generally, but to confirm the truth. Paul did not heal all the sick. Some of his own friends came near to death that he did not heal. The truth was confirmed, no one exercised this power for his own benefit. Our sanctification friends will not prove their faith by their works in drinking deadly poison or taking up venomous serpents.] Amen.--Truly, verily. So be it.