Articles
The Missing Passages - Part 5
In the final article for our series, we consider the longest text in question: Mark 16:9-20. This particular passage is especially difficult. Strong evidence could be presented that it does belong in our Bible and strong evidence suggests it does not. What is not in question is that the debate began early. The final verses were known by the second century and attributed to Mark. But to say that this passage is in question is an understatement. Are Christians, then, in a place where we cannot know the truth?
Fortunately, our missing passage comes from the Gospels. We can test to see if anything is gained or lost based on our inclusion or exclusion of Mark 16:9-20.
In this text, we find…
- Jesus rose on the first day of the week (9). Confirmed by Mt. 28:1; Lk. 24:1.
- Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene (9). Confirmed by John 20:11-18.
- Jesus once cast seven spirits out of Mary Magdalene (9). Confirmed by Lk. 8:2.
- Mary Magdalene reported seeing Jesus, but the disciples refused to believe her (10-11). Confirmed by Luke 24:10-11.
- Jesus appeared “in a different form” to two disciples while they walked in the country (12). Confirmed by Luke 24:13-32.
- The other disciples did not believe these two witnesses either (13).
- Jesus appeared to the eleven and reproached them for their unbelief (14). Probably confirmed by Lk. 24:38 as Jesus questions why they are troubled and have doubts.
- Jesus sent the disciples out to preach the gospel (15). Confirmed by Mt. 28:19; Lk. 24:47; Acts 1:8)
- Jesus emphasized the importance of faith and baptism (16). Confirmed by Mt. 28:19 and a host of other passages in the epistles concerning faith and baptism.
- Jesus said that those who believed in His name would cast out demons, speak in new tongues, and not be hurt by serpents or poisonous drinks. Also, the sick would recover if the disciples laid hands on them (17-18). Though the specifics are not listed, the idea is confirmed by John 14:12; Lk. 24:49 as well as by examples of these being done in the book of Acts.
- Jesus ascended to heaven and sat down at the right hand of God (19). Confirmed by Lk. 24:5; Acts 1:9 and that He ascended to the right hand of God in Acts 2:32-33.
- The disciples went out and preached everywhere (20). Confirmed by the book of Acts.
- “The Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word by the signs that followed” (20). Confirmed by multiple examples in Acts and restated in Hebrews 2:3-4.
Did you skim the list? Probably. It gets redundant, after a while, doesn’t it? The point is, that while there is serious question how the book of Mark should end, there isn’t really any question about what happened. The ending that is provided in our Bibles is confirmed by other passages in the Bible. There are just a few exceptions.
First, Luke’s account transitions so quickly from the testimony of the two about seeing Jesus on the road to Emmaus to the next appearance where Jesus shows Himself to the eleven that we did not get time for a reaction. However, it would be consistent for the disciples not to believe the testimony. They hadn’t believed previous testimony, after all.
Second, there technically is not confirmation about Jesus’ statement concerning disciples drinking poison. We see the other miracles all exemplified in the book of Acts. Casting out demons (Acts 5:16; 8:7; 16:18). Speaking with new tongues (Acts 2:4-11,10:46; 19:11). Picking up serpents (Acts 28:3-6). Healing the sick (Acts 3:6-8; 5:15-16; 9:17-18,34,40-42; 19:12; 28:8-9). But we don’t see anyone drinking poison and not dying.
Take all of the major missing passages and gather together what uncertainty the Christian has of any substance and we come to this—we don’t know for certain if the apostles could drink poison or not. That’s it. Now, how important is that question to you in your service to God?
Nearly two thousand years have passed. The New Testament books were hand-copied countless times. Errors were inevitable. Out of it all, 5 passages stand out as being questionable enough that translators differ on whether to include them or not. How big of an issue do these five passages end up being? Hopefully, this study and series has led you to see that our faith is secure and not standing on a sea of doubt.
