Mark 16:1  “…when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices…”
From Luke we learn the ladies bought the spices on Friday evening after seeing Joseph wrap Jesus’s body.  Text should probably be translated had bought for the English equivalent.  Or you might say they bought spices that when the Sabbath was past they might come and anoint Him.  Must remember the gospels are written by four men telling a story from their remembrance.  Truth is there.  You can’t get hung up over ways of saying things.  One reason I believe God gave us four accounts.

7  “…tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee…”
Has been suggested that Peter is mentioned by name because of his failure prior to the crucifixion.  A way of letting him know Christ hasn’t forgotten him.  Jesus doesn’t want him falling into despair and going back to his old life.  Here is another mention of going to Galilee.  But they still don’t catch it.  Fear keeps them in the upper room in Jerusalem.  Jesus will have to deal with them there first before they’ll go on to Galilee.

9  “…He appeared first to Mary Magdalene…”
Peter’s account may not be exactly in sequence.  He’s remembering events.  Compared with John, it may be that the women left, all but Mary Magdalene who went and told Peter and John.  After they looked in the tomb they left.  Mary is now alone when the angels and then Jesus appear to her.

12  “…He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country”
Perhaps a reference to the two going to Emmaus.  Commentaries agree.  The interesting point is the phrase in another form.  Point is picked up by Luke when the two going to Emmaus said they didn’t recognize Him until He broke the bread with them.

14  “…they did not believe those who had seen Him…”
Jesus had to push them.  They had seen the empty tomb and heard several witnesses say they had seen and spoken to Him.  Yet they were still unbelieving.

17  “…these signs will follow those who believe…”
Is this a promise that all who believe in Jesus will be able to do these things.  I don’t think so.  He said the signs will follow those who believe.  Tells me you would see the signs, not that they were a requirement of belief.  I also think the signs were a statement to followers not to be afraid to spread the good news, but to be bold.  Don’t worry about what comes up, Jesus will take care of everything.

19  “…sat down at the right hand of God”
Mission complete.  Jesus doesn’t have to stand daily offering sacrifices for us.  He was the ultimate sacrifice.  He died once for all.  He is now seated at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us.

20  “…confirming the word through the accompanying signs…”
Jesus gave the word of the signs to the disciples, not to the world.  Seeing the signs was confirmation to the disciples they were doing as Jesus commanded and that He was working through them.  Fulfilled its purpose in giving them boldness to share the gospel.

I hope you enjoy reading and studying His word.  May it accomplish what He desires.  Please feel free to comment or post questions.  Thanks for reading!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.