Follow or Following

Mark 16:17 uses the word follow but Mark 16:20 following. The same root but different words.

The problem is that this word is translated follow only once out of multiple uses in the scriptures.

It sometimes means to understand or fully attain knowledge.

παρακολουθέω

parakoloutheō

Total KJV Occurrences: 5

attained, 1

1Ti_4:6

follow, 1

Mar_16:17

fully, 1

2Ti_3:10

known, 1

2Ti_3:10

understanding, 1

Luk_1:3

It could be the word shouldn't be translated follow but make known. The root means to accompany but the word in most cases involves making someone knowledgeable. In this case to make the Apostles known or understood as God's messengers.

The Greek manuscripts disagree in order, the ABP Polygot translates in a different order compared to the KJV,

Mar 16:17  And signsG4592 G1161 to G3588 these believingG4100 G3778 shall follow closely;G3877 inG1722 G3588 my nameG3686 G1473 [2demonsG1140 1they shall cast out];G1544 [3languagesG1100 3they shall speakG2980 2new];G2537

"These" in the APB is plural in Greek and the closest plural antecedent is in Mark 16:14, the apostles. Thus not being used of all believers but of the Apostles and the disciples currently present.

Several commentators have made notes on the antecedent because it allows the translators to use "These believing", thus the Apostles went from unbelief in v9 to believing after seeing Christ resurrected. "Them" that believe in the KJV is also plural.

Since v15 & 16 have singular nouns it is likely not referring to those believing and baptized.

The believers in v 17 could be confused with the believer in v 15 & 16 if not for the singular and plural differences.

The concept of fully confirming the preaching. It is responsible for them coming to belief and not giving them after belief..

The greek supports that the gifts would be to those currently in belief or belief through their preaching versus gifts for the entire church through time.

The Peoples New Testament (Methodist)

These signs shall follow them that believe. It is generally held that this is a promise limited to the apostolic age and to a few of the disciples of that age. Perhaps the plural them does not have for its antecedent the singular he in Mar_16:16, but the plural them in Mar_16:14. If it does not, why is the number changed in Mar_16:15-16? The grammatical construction requires us to look to Mar_16:14 for the antecedent of them in Mar_16:17. In Mar_16:14 the apostles are "upbraided for their unbelief because they believed not them who had seen him after he had arisen." They are commanded to go and tell the glad story, and assured that miraculous credentials shall be given to those of "them who believe" and tell the wonderful tidings.

I have explored the concept that the verse reflects bringing unbelievers to belief since the word follow sometimes reflects coming to knowledge. Gill introduces an idea from the Persic.

Mark 16:17

And these signs shall follow them that believe,.... Not all of them, but some; and not always, only for a time; and which were necessary for the confirmation of the Gospel, and the establishment of Christianity in the world; and not only believing hearers, but believing ministers of the word, are chiefly designed; and this is said, for the encouragement both of those that preach the Gospel, and of them that hear, believe and obey. The Persic version, contrary to all others, reads, "ye shall show signs and wonders to them that believe not"; see 1Co_14:22.