What does Mark 16:19-20 mean?

¹⁹ So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. ²⁰ And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. (Mark 16:19-20 KJV)

The Ascension of Jesus

Here is:

Christ was welcomed into the upper world (Mark 16:19). After the Lord had spoken to his disciples, he went up into heaven in a cloud (Acts 1:9). He was not only admitted but received in glory into his kingdom there, with loud acclamations from the heavenly hosts. He sat at the right hand of God, signifying rest, as his work was finished, and rule, as he took possession of his kingdom. Sitting at God’s right hand denotes the sovereign dignity he is exalted to and the universal authority entrusted to him. Whatever God does concerning us, gives to us, or accepts from us, it is through his Son. Now he is glorified with the glory he had before the world existed.

Christ was also welcomed in this lower world. His being believed on in the world and received up into glory are mentioned together (1 Timothy 3:16).

We see the apostles working diligently for him. They went out and preached everywhere, far and near. Though the doctrine they preached was spiritual and heavenly, directly opposed to the spirit of the world, and met with much opposition, without any worldly support or advantage, the preachers were neither afraid nor ashamed. They were so industrious in spreading the gospel that within a few years, the sound of it reached the ends of the earth (Romans 10:18).

We also see God working effectively with them, making their labors successful by confirming the word with signs following. This was done partly through miracles performed on people’s bodies, which served as divine confirmations of Christian doctrine, and partly by the gospel’s influence on minds through the work of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 2:4). These were truly signs following the word—the reformation of the world, the destruction of idolatry, the conversion of sinners, and the comfort of believers. These signs still follow it, and may they do so more and more for the honor of Christ and the good of humanity. The evangelist prays and teaches us to say, Amen. Father in heaven, let your name be honored, and let your kingdom come.

Mark Chapter 16

1. The Resurrection, Mark 16:1-8
2. Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene, Mark 16:9-11
3. Jesus Appears to Two Disciples, Mark 16:12-13
4. The Great Commission, Mark 16:14-18
5. The Ascension of Jesus, Mark 16:19-20