Mark’s Three Endings

     Consider the end of Mark 16. The task may be challenging. Where does Mark 16 end? The last undebatable verse is 8. Mark 16:8 may be where Mark intended to conclude the book. Yet many translations run to verse 20. Depending on the translation, there may be brackets around verses 9-20. There may be a footnote about these same verses.  

     Some translations, like the NLT, NRSV, CNT, or CEB, have two endings. After verse 8, in those translations, it reads: "And all that has been commanded to them they quickly reported to those around Peter. After these things, Jesus himself sent out throughout them from east to west, the holy and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation, Amen." This addition is one of two proposed endings that pick up after verse 8, and it's likely in brackets. A second alternative is what we typically see in other Bible translations, which is verses 9-20. Given that both proposed endings pick up after verse 8, most scholars believe one of two things: either the last part of Mark's gospel was torn off and lost after verse 8, or the book ended at verse 8.  

     Most Greek readers see that the additional ending differs from the rest of Mark. The style and word choices are not consistent. The different ending is called the Byzantine Text. One finds neither of the two additional endings in the earliest known manuscripts.   

     The original ending could have been lost. Perhaps one of the two endings was verbally handed down over the years, and eventually, a scribe added it in writing, reclaiming what was lost. Maybe God superintended later inspiration to a scribe. Many have put arguments forward.  

     Or, it is possible that Mark, inspired by the Holy Spirit, intended the book to end abruptly at verse 8. If so, what might the reason be? Reading the text as if it were the intended ending, the messenger expected the ladies to believe the message. If they believed, they would tell others. But Mark wasn't concerned about those women--he wrote the gospel with concern for his readers. Mark has placed his readers in the same spot as the women. Will the reader believe? If so, will the reader tell others? The ending in this shape is abrupt, but it seems fitting given the purpose of the Gospel. It places the reader in a sharp position to respond with belief and proclamation. It may be well worth teaching or preaching to Mark as if verse 8 is the end.