· A Problem with the ending of Mark
What is a textual variant? Textual variants in the New Testament manuscripts arise when a copyist makes deliberate or inadvertent alterations to the text that is being reproduced.
Two main reasons that I believe that Mark ends his gospel in verse eight.
1. The internal evidence:
The language is different from the rest of Mark. One of the longer endings
introduces 9 new words that are found nowhere in Mark, and the even longer
ending has an additional 18 new words that are not found in Mark. The style of
the writing is also very different.
Consider verses 9-20 and the Scripture that is summarized.
Vs. 9-11, Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene: summarized from Jn. 20:11-18
Vs. 12-13, Jesus appears to Two Disciples: summarized from Lk. 24:13-35
Vs. 14-16, The Great Commission: summarized from Matt. 28:18-20
Vs. 17-18, Signs Gifts for those who believe: summarized from the book of Acts
Vs. 19-20, The Ascension: Summarized from the book of Acts
2. The external evidence:
verses 9-20 is not found in our oldest and most reliable Greek manuscripts of the
New Testament (Codex Sinaiticus; Codex Vaticanus). It is also not mentioned in
the writings of early Christians, such as Clement of Alexandria (215 A.D), Origen
(253A.D), Eusebius (340 A.D), or Jerome (420 A.D).
“The fact that we have so many manuscripts, such early manuscripts, and an accurate methodology to discover these variants should give us confidence in the reliability of our New Testament.”
· A Purposeful Ending to the Gospel of Mark
The gospel of Mark ends with astonishment and fear. I am convinced that this is
not a bad ending at all, but it is a purposeful ending. For fear is the response to
Jesus and His works and is a theme that has run throughout Mark’s gospel.
Mark 4:37-41; 5:15, 5:33, 5:36; 6:50; 9:6; 9:30-32; 15:39.
The right fear of God leads to belief and joy! Pro. 9:10
How should you respond to the resurrection of Jesus Christ?
You should be stunned by the gospel! 1Pet. 2:21-25
You should be savoring the gospel! 2Cor. 5:21; 1Tim. 2:5-6
You should go share the gospel! Matt. 28:18-20
Praise the Lord for the Gospel of Mark!