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Mark

Mark 
Day 
Day 351

Acts 5:21b "But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought." Acts 5:21b"

Day 351 – Mark 16

“But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.” Acts 5:21b

THE LONGER ENDING OF MARK

Acceptance of the longer version of Mark poses little problem to conservative Biblical scholars. The reasons are as follows:-

1. The strength of tradition

For the longest time, the Church has accepted the longer version of Mark. Much is to be said for the long-standing tradition of accepting the longer version.

2. Old manuscripts

The longer version may be found in old manuscripts. Perhaps these manuscripts may not be the oldest, but these extant manuscripts are very reliable!

3. No contradiction found

We would have to be greatly concerned if the longer version posed a theological threat to the rest of Scripture. However, the longer-ending version (Mark 16:9-20) in no way contradicts Biblical teachings.

4. Lost in transmission

It is possible that the longer version of Mark was lost in transmission.

5. Arguments against the short-ending

a) That Mark ended his Gospel so abruptly is inconceivable
Consider the abruptness of the shorter ending

“So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb,
for they trembled and were amazed.
And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.”
MARK 16:8

b) The other three Gospels had excellent conclusions!

It makes little sense to think that Mark concluded his Gospel on such an abrupt note intentionally.

i) Loss of the note of triumph associated with the Resurrection
The triumphant note associated with the significance of the Resurrection would be lost if his Gospel had ended on Mark 16:8!
ii) Inconsistent of what is known of the Gospel writer Mark
Mark was with the apostle Peter, and had ministered for the Lord significantly for years. He would have been familiar with the life, the teachings etc of the Lord Jesus. It is just impossible to think that he could have ended his Gospel abruptly.