Mark 16:9–20 VI — Vocabulary and Style: Is the Long Ending Really Non-Markan?

by Chris Thomas | Jul 22, 2026

Passage: Mark 16:9–20Received reading: The vocabulary and compressed style of Mark 16:9–20 are compatible with a distinct concluding section by Mark.Principal competing reading: The passage is judged non-Markan because of unique vocabulary, transition, syntax, and its...

Mark 16:8–9 — “For They Were Afraid”: Does the Transition Require a Lost Ending?

by Chris Thomas | Jul 22, 2026

Passage: Mark 16:8–9Received reading: Verse 8 is followed by verse 9: the women flee in fear, then the risen Jesus appears first to Mary Magdalene.Principal competing reading: The Gospel originally ended at verse 8, or an unknown original ending was lost and verses...

Mark 16:15–18 — The Great Commission, Baptism, Belief, and the Promised Signs

by Chris Thomas | Jul 22, 2026

Passage: Mark 16:15–18Received reading: Mark 16:15–18 as the received commission and sign promise.Principal competing reading: Omission with the ending at verse 8; minor internal variants affect “new” tongues and the wording about taking up serpents.Editorial status:...

Mark 16:9–14 — Mary Magdalene, the Appearances, and the Unbelief of the Eleven

by Chris Thomas | Jul 22, 2026

Passage: Mark 16:9–14Received reading: Mark 16:9–14 records the risen Christ’s appearances and his rebuke of the Eleven.Principal competing reading: Omission of the entire section with the ending at verse 8; within verse 14 a secondary expansion adds “from the dead,”...

Mark 16:19–20 — The Ascension, the Apostolic Preaching, and the Closing “Amen”

by Chris Thomas | Jul 22, 2026

Passage: Mark 16:19–20Received reading: “The Lord” is received into heaven, the apostles preach with confirming signs, and the Gospel closes “Amen.”Principal competing reading: A title expanded to “the Lord Jesus” in some editions, omission of the final “Amen,” or...