Purpose of Mark 16:9-20 Inclusion in the Gospel
Mark 16:9-20, often referred to as the "longer ending" of Mark's Gospel, presents a summary of post-resurrection appearances of Jesus and his final instructions to his disciples. This passage begins with Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene after his resurrection, from whom he had cast out seven demons [2, 7]. She then reported this to the disciples, who were mourning and weeping, but they did not believe her [7]. Jesus subsequently appeared to two disciples walking in the country, who also reported it to the others, but again, they were not believed [7]. Finally, Jesus appeared to the eleven disciples as they sat at supper, rebuking their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who had seen him after he had risen [7].
Following this, Jesus commissioned his disciples, saying, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15 KJV) [3]. He declared that whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned [7]. Jesus also stated that those who believe will perform signs, including casting out demons, speaking in new tongues, picking up serpents, drinking deadly poison without harm, and laying hands on the sick to heal them [7]. After giving these instructions, "the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken unto them, was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God" (Mark 16:19 KJV) [4, 7]. The disciples then went out and preached everywhere, with the Lord working with them and confirming the word through accompanying signs [7].
The inclusion of Mark 16:9-20 in the Gospel of Mark is a significant point of scholarly discussion. Nearly all scholars agree that Mark did not write these verses, nor the "shorter ending" that sometimes appears [7]. This conclusion is based on several factors: there are clear differences in style, vocabulary, and theology compared to the rest of Mark's Gospel [7]. Furthermore, the two oldest and most reliable Greek manuscripts, Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus, do not contain these endings [7].
Despite the textual evidence suggesting these verses were not part of Mark's original composition, there is reason to doubt that Mark intended his Gospel to end abruptly at 16:8 [7]. An ending at 16:8, where the women flee the tomb in fear and say nothing to anyone, would leave out any mention of Jesus' resurrection appearances, which Mark emphasizes as the fulfillment of Jesus' predictions throughout his Gospel [7]. All other Gospels include accounts of Jesus' resurrection appearances [7].
The passage's content aligns with themes found in other New Testament writings. The command to "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15 KJV) echoes the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19 and Luke 24:47, emphasizing the universal scope of the gospel message [3]. The term "gospel" itself refers to the "good tidings of great joy for all people" and is described as the "power of God to salvation" [5]. The signs accompanying believers, such as casting out demons and healing the sick, are consistent with the miraculous activities described in the book of Acts and other parts of the Gospels [7]. For instance, Jesus' mission for the man from whom he cast out demons was to "tell them everything the Lord had done for him" [6]. The ascension of Jesus to sit at the right hand of God (Mark 16:19) is a foundational aspect of early Christian belief, cross-referenced with passages like Psalm 110:1 and Acts 2:33 [4].
The traditional view, as reflected in the King James Version's inclusion of the verses, suggests that these verses provide a necessary conclusion to the narrative of Mark, detailing the post-resurrection events and the commissioning of the disciples [1]. While not original to Mark, the longer ending has functioned to provide a more complete narrative arc, connecting the resurrection to the subsequent mission of the church and the ascension of Jesus.
Sources
- King James Version “[KJV] 1 Corinthians 9:23 — And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Mark 16:9 cross-references: 2 Kings 5:4, Matthew 27:56, Mark 15:40, Mark 15:47, Luke 8:2, Luke 24:10, John 20:12, John 20:14, Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2, Revelation 1:10”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Mark 16:15 cross-references: Psalms 22:27, Psalms 67:1, Psalms 96:3, Psalms 98:3, Isaiah 42:10, Isaiah 45:22, Isaiah 49:6, Isaiah 52:10, Isaiah 60:1, Matthew 10:5, Matthew 28:19, Mark 13:10, Luke 2:10, Luke 2:31, Luke 14:21, Luke 24:47, John 15:16, John 20:21, Acts 1:8, Romans 10:18, Romans 16:26, Ephesians 2:17, Colossians 1:6, Colossians 1:23, 1 John 4:14, Revelation 14:6”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Mark 16:19 cross-references: Psalms 110:1, Matthew 28:18, Luke 9:51, Luke 24:44, John 6:62, John 13:1, John 16:28, John 17:4, John 17:13, John 20:17, John 21:15, John 21:22, Acts 1:2, Acts 1:9, Acts 2:33, Acts 3:21, Acts 7:55, Romans 8:34, 1 Corinthians 15:24, Ephesians 1:20, Ephesians 4:8, Colossians 3:1, 1 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 1:3, Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 6:20, Hebrews 7:26, Hebrews 8:1, Hebrews 9:24, Hebrews 10:12, Hebrews 10:19, Hebrews 12:2, 1 Peter 3:22, Revelation 3:20”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Gospel, The — Is good tidings of great joy for all people -- Lu 2:10,11,31,32. Foretold -- Isa 41:27; 52:7; 61:1-3; Mr 1:15. Preached under the old testament -- Heb 4:2. Exhibits the grace of God -- Ac 14:3; 20:32. The knowledge of the glory of God is by -- 2Co 4:4,6. Life and immortality are brought to light by Jesus through -- 2Ti 1:10. Is the power of God to salvation -- Ro 1:16; 1Co 1:18; 1Th 1:5. Is glorious -- 2Co 4:4. Is everlasting -- 1Pe 1:25; Re 14:6. Preached by Christ -- Mt 4:23; Mr 1:14. Ministers have a stewardship to preach -- 1Co 9:17. Preached before”
- Mark (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Mark 5:19: 5:19-20 Jesus’ mission for the man was to tell others the great things the Lord had done for him. Mark thus identifies Jesus as the Lord. • tell them everything: Unlike other occasions, Jesus did not try to keep his identity secret (see 3:11-12), perhaps because it was less dangerous in this Gentile area. • Ten Towns: See study note on Matt 4:24-25.”
- Mark (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Mark 16:9: 16:9-20 Nearly all scholars agree that Mark did not write the “shorter” and “longer” endings. There are clear differences in their style, vocabulary, and theology. Also, the best two available Greek manuscripts (Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus) lack these endings. However, there is reason to doubt that Mark intended to end his Gospel at 16:8: (1) Mark emphasizes the fulfillment of Jesus’ predictions throughout his Gospel, and if the Gospel ended with 16:8, there would be no reference to the resurrection appearance(s) of Jesus; (2) all the other Gospels contain ”