Mark 16:13

And they went and told [it] unto the residue: neither believed they them.

And they {G2548} went {G565} and told {G518} it unto the residue {G3062}: neither {G3761} believed they {G4100} them {G1565}.

They went and told the others, but they didn't believe them either.

And they went back and reported it to the rest, but they did not believe them either.

And they went away and told it unto the rest: neither believed they them.

Commentary

Context of Mark 16:13

Mark 16:13 is part of the disputed "Longer Ending of Mark" (Mark 16:9-20), which describes several of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances to His disciples. Immediately preceding this verse, Mark 16:12 mentions Jesus appearing "in another form unto two of them." This directly refers to the encounter on the road to Emmaus, vividly detailed in Luke 24:13-35. The setting is a period of confusion and lingering grief among Jesus' followers after His crucifixion, as they struggled to comprehend the reality of His resurrection.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Initial Disbelief and Skepticism: This verse highlights the profound difficulty even Jesus' closest followers had in believing the news of His resurrection. Despite multiple testimonies, including that of Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:11) and now the two Emmaus disciples, the "residue" (the remaining apostles and their companions) did not believe. This emphasizes the extraordinary nature of the resurrection claim and the human tendency to doubt even profound truths.
  • The Process of Faith: The disciples' journey from skepticism to conviction was not immediate. Their initial disbelief serves as a relatable human response, showing that faith often involves a process of receiving testimony, encountering evidence, and ultimately, a divine revelation. This gradual unfolding of understanding is a significant theme in the post-resurrection narratives.
  • Importance of Eyewitness Testimony: Even though the testimony was initially rejected, the act of telling ("they went and told") underscores the crucial role of eyewitness accounts in the spread of the Gospel. These personal experiences, though difficult to accept at first, formed the foundation of the apostolic message.

Linguistic Insights

The term "residue" (Greek: loipois) simply means "the rest" or "the remaining ones." In this context, it refers to the main group of disciples, likely the eleven apostles and others who were gathered together, as indicated in parallel accounts. The phrase "neither believed they them" (Greek: oude episteusan autois) clearly states their lack of faith, using a strong negative particle (oude) to emphasize their disbelief.

Practical Application

Mark 16:13 offers several enduring lessons for believers today:

  • Patience with Doubt: This verse reminds us that doubt is a natural part of the human experience, even for those who earnestly seek God. Jesus Himself later rebukes the disciples for their unbelief but also patiently appears to them to remove their doubts (Mark 16:14). This encourages compassion and understanding towards those who struggle with faith.
  • The Power of Personal Testimony: Despite the initial rejection, the two disciples faithfully shared what they had seen and heard. Our own testimonies, born from personal encounters with Christ, remain powerful tools for sharing the Gospel, even if they are not always immediately accepted.
  • The Journey of Faith: Faith is often a journey, not a single event. The disciples' initial disbelief highlights that growth in faith involves wrestling with truth, receiving evidence, and trusting in God's revelation.
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Cross-References

  • John 20:25 (5 votes)

    The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

  • Luke 24:33 (4 votes)

    And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,

  • Luke 24:35 (4 votes)

    And they told what things [were done] in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

  • Luke 16:31 (3 votes)

    And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

  • John 20:8 (3 votes)

    Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.