Was the longer ending of the Gospel of Mark added later?
Short answer
Most textual scholars think the verses after Mark 16:8 were not part of the earliest recoverable text, though they are ancient and widely transmitted. Some scholars defend their authenticity.
Historical context
Mark is generally considered the earliest canonical Gospel. Its ending has been debated since antiquity.
Several different endings circulate in the manuscript tradition, which is itself part of the puzzle.
Evidence
Primary sources
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Scholarly literature
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Competing interpretations
- 1.
Later addition
The ending was composed afterward to round off an abrupt conclusion.
- 2.
Lost ending
An original ending existed but was damaged or lost.
- 3.
Original
A minority position holds the longer ending is authentic to Mark.
Source references
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