The Controversial Ending of Mark's Gospel: Unveiling the Genuine Conclusion

The Gospel of Mark, one of the four canonical gospels, has captured the hearts and minds of scholars and believers alike for centuries. However, its ending has long been a subject of debate and controversy. While the original ending of Mark's Gospel is clear and concise, modern scholarship has shed light on possible second and third endings. This article delves into the contentious issue of Mark's gospel ending, examining the scholarly arguments and shedding light on the most likely genuine conclusion.

The Original Ending

The most commonly accepted ending of Mark's Gospel is found in verses 16:1-8. According to this conclusion, the women who encountered the risen Christ fled in fear, for they were afraid, and did not report His appearance to anyone (Mark 16:8).

Claimed Second Ending: The Criterion Ending

Some scholars argue that there was a second ending to Mark's Gospel, known as the 'Criterion Ending' or the 'Shorter Ending,' which was not included in the original manuscripts. This shorter ending begins immediately after verse 16:8 and reads as follows:

But they reported briefly to Peter and those with him all that they had been told. And after this Jesus himself appeared to them and sent out by means of them from east to west the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation.

Although this additions was not present in the earliest manuscripts, some believe it was added later to provide a more complete conclusion to the Gospel narrative.

Claimed Third Ending: The Long Ending

The most widely accepted and included ending in modern Bibles is the 'Long Ending,' which consists of Mark 16:9–20. This conclusion is theologically superior to the shorter ending and was likely adopted quickly by the early church. It provides a more cohesive narrative ending and signifies a more complete work of literature.

Controversy Surrounding Modern Translations

The varying endings of Mark's Gospel have led to some controversy, particularly regarding certain modern translations like the NIV. Some scholars argue that the NIV and other modern translations have altered the original text to fit certain theological or cultural shifts. This has led to significant debate among biblical scholars.

One prominent critic argues that the NIV is an abomination and should be discarded, citing its alleged alterations to the original texts. This view, however, is not universally accepted and is highly controversial. Many scholars maintain that the variations in modern translations reflect a genuine effort to render the text more accurately and accessible to modern readers.

Scholarly Consensus

While there are considerable debates around the ending of Mark's Gospel, most scholars agree that the original conclusion of the text is Mark 16:8. The subsequent additions, whether the shorter or the longer ending, are largely considered later additions. Scholars have not found substantial evidence to support the existence of an original ending beyond verse 8 that has been lost.

The scholarly consensus leans towards the idea that the original ending was indeed: “they were in fear.” This suggests that the early manuscripts lacked a definitive conclusion, implying that the Gospel was left open-ended to encourage further reflection and discussion among the early Christian community.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding the ending of Mark's Gospel reflects the dynamic nature of biblical scholarship and the complex interplay between textual evidence and theological interpretation. While the original ending remains the most accepted, the debate around the second and third endings contributes to a richer understanding of the gospel's formative history.

Ultimately, the question of what constitutes the true ending of Mark's Gospel remains a scholarly inquiry without a definitive answer. However, the ongoing discussion provides valuable insights into the development and interpretation of one of the foundational texts of Christian scripture.

References:

Schnackenburg, R. (1968). The Gospel According to St. Mark. New York: Seabury Press. Seifert, H. (2003). Mark. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press. Throckmorton, D. R. (1991). Mark's Gospel and Markan Traditions: An Introduction and Commentary. Nashville: Nelson.