Mark 16:9–20 IV — The So-Called Shorter Ending: Rival Conclusion or Secondary Summary?

by Chris Thomas | Jul 22, 2026

Passage: Mark 16:9–20Received reading: Mark 16:9–20 follows verse 8 as the received conclusion.Principal competing reading: The shorter ending alone, or the shorter ending inserted before the traditional ending.Editorial status: Preliminary record accepted for...

Mark 16:9–20 V — The Freer Logion: Why One Expansion Does Not Discredit the Received Ending

by Chris Thomas | Jul 22, 2026

Passage: Mark 16:9–20Received reading: Mark 16:14 proceeds directly to the commission in verse 15.Principal competing reading: The Freer Logion inserted after verse 14, adding the disciples’ excuse and Christ’s reply about Satan’s allotted time.Editorial status:...

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:...