Introduction
Mark 9:38–40 records Jesus’ striking statement: “Do not forbid him… For whoever is not against us is for us.” At first glance, this seems to suggest that anyone doing good in Jesus’ name—even outside the Church—is automatically accepted by God.
But is that what the passage really means? Or is Jesus teaching something more nuanced?
This article will explore the biblical context, interpretations from early Fathers, Church history, Catholic teaching (Catechism & Vatican II), and modern scholarship to understand what Jesus meant—and what it implies for salvation outside the visible Church.
1. The Text in Context: Mark 9:38–40
The disciples encounter a man casting out demons in Jesus’ name, but they forbid him because he was “not following us.” Jesus corrects them:
“Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. For whoever is not against us is for us.” (Mark 9:39–40, ESV)
Key insights:
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The man was acting in Jesus’ name, not for personal gain.
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The disciples were motivated by jealousy and exclusivism.
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Jesus emphasized charity and openness: genuine works in His name should not be blocked.
2. Parallel Sayings: Contradiction or Complement?
Some find tension with Matthew 12:30: “Whoever is not with me is against me.”
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Matthew 12:30 stresses decision: neutrality is impossible in the face of Christ’s lordship.
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Mark 9:40 stresses openness: don’t reject allies unnecessarily.
👉 Both are true: one emphasizes commitment to Christ, the other charity toward fellow workers.
3. Early Church Fathers’ Interpretations
| Father | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| St. John Chrysostom | The passage warns against jealousy; even those outside the apostolic band can glorify Christ by good works. |
| St. Augustine | Recognized that good can exist outside visible unity, but insisted that full communion with the Church is the goal. |
| St. Irenaeus | Affirmed the Church’s role in guarding true doctrine; warned against heresies misusing Christ’s name. |
| St. Ignatius of Antioch | Stressed obedience to bishops as essential for unity, but also acknowledged Christ works where His name is truly invoked. |
👉 Fathers saw Mark 9 as a warning against sectarianism but never as license to remain permanently outside the Church.
4. Development in Church History
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Patristic era (1st–5th c.): Unity with the bishop and sacraments essential; but Fathers recognized “seeds of the Word” in those outside.
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Medieval theology: “Extra Ecclesiam nulla salus” (Outside the Church no salvation) became a firm axiom, though nuanced by thinkers like Aquinas.
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Reformation era: Protestants often appealed to Mark 9:40 to justify separation; Catholic theologians countered with emphasis on unity.
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Vatican II (20th c.): Lumen Gentium taught that while the fullness of grace subsists in the Catholic Church, elements of sanctification exist outside it.
5. Catholic Teaching: Salvation Outside the Church?
The Catholic Church holds a nuanced balance:
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Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 846): “Outside the Church there is no salvation.”
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CCC 847: Those who, through no fault of their own, do not know Christ or the Church but sincerely seek God can be saved.
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CCC 848: Salvation always comes through Christ and the Church, even for those outside visible membership.
👉 Lumen Gentium §8: The Church of Christ “subsists in the Catholic Church” but elements of truth and sanctification are found in other communities.
Thus, Protestants or non-Catholics can indeed be saved—but always through Christ and in relation to the Church, even if not visibly part of it.
6. Comparative Table
| View | Summary of Mark 9:38–40 Meaning | Implication for Non-Catholics |
|---|---|---|
| Exclusivist (rigid) | Only visible members are “for Christ.” | Salvation impossible outside visible Church. |
| Patristic balance | Do not forbid good works in Christ’s name; unity still necessary. | Non-members may do good, but unity with Church is goal. |
| Catholic teaching (Vatican II) | Christ can work outside visible structures; Church remains fullness. | Non-Catholics can be saved, but through grace flowing from the Church. |
| Protestant reading | Anyone doing good in Christ’s name is fully acceptable. | Membership in Catholic Church unnecessary. |
7. Theological Reflection
Mark 9:38–40 teaches us:
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Charity over rivalry: Do not block genuine Christian work.
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Unity still essential: Jesus founded one Church; full communion remains the goal.
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Grace beyond borders: God can save those outside visible membership, but salvation always comes through Christ’s Church.
Thus, the passage does not mean denominational divisions are irrelevant, nor that “all paths are equal.” It is a call to humility, cooperation, and openness, without abandoning the truth of the Church’s unique role in salvation.
Conclusion
“Whoever is not against us is for us” (Mark 9:40) is not a blank check for religious relativism. Instead, it is Jesus’ rebuke against jealousy and exclusivism among His followers. The Catholic Church teaches that while the fullness of truth and means of salvation subsist in the Catholic Church, Christ can work outside its visible boundaries.
Protestants and others may indeed do good works in Christ’s name—and these works should not be despised. Yet, as the Church Fathers and Catholic doctrine insist, the ultimate call is to the full unity of faith, sacraments, and communion in the Church Jesus Himself established.
READ ALSO:
- Which Came First: The Bible or the Church? The Truth About “Bible Alone” Doctrine
- How the Church of Christ Continued Its Mission 400 Years Before the Bible Was Compiled
- The Evolution of the True Church Founded by Jesus Christ in Jerusalem – A 2,000-Year Journey of Faith
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