The unfinished story

Mark’s gospel strangely ends at chapter 16, verse 8. Verses 9 through 20 were added by an unknown writer—and footnoted in many Bibles. Church fathers, Eusebius and Jerome, attest that the first Greek manuscripts ended at Mark 16:8. The language and style of verses 9-20 rule out Mark as its author.

Mark wrote the first gospel about 40 years after Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection and published it around 70 A.D. Since Mark was closely associated with Peter and Paul—both of whom were martyred by Emperor Nero during 66-68 A.D.—this made Mark a likely target who may have suffered the same fate. The book of Mark was written on a long papyrus roll, the last page of which could have been accidentally torn away. Consequently, the possibilities are that (1) Mark intended his gospel to end at Chapter 16, verse 8, (2) he suffered martyrdom before finishing it, or (3) a section of papyrus was torn away.

The writer of chapter 16, verses 9-20 borrowed heavily from Luke’s gospel and included the following accounts: (1) Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene—verses 9 through 11, (2) Abbreviated version of Walk to Emmaus—verses 12 through 13, (3) Jesus appears to 11 disciples—verse 14, (4) Jesus commissioned the disciples to preach the gospel—verses 13 through 18, and (5) Jesus ascended into heaven-verses 19 and 20. The ghostwriter was said to be Ariston, a 2nd century presbyter and follower of Jesus.

Chapter 16 begins with the women coming to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body with spices. Surprised that the heavy stone had been rolled away, the women are greeted by a young man dressed in white who proclaims: “Don’t be alarmed. Jesus is not here. He is risen! Go tell His disciples and Peter that he is going before them into Galilee and there they will see him.” Verse 8 concludes with this strange ending: “Trembling and bewildered, the women fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.” The abruptness of this ending leaves readers puzzled and wanting the story continued.

John Mark was a young follower of Jesus who lived with his mother in Jerusalem—reputedly in the house where the Lord’s Supper was held. He was the first recorded “streaker” (Mark 14: 51-52). Paul and Barnabas took Mark along on the 1st missionary journey (Acts 12: 25), but Mark turned back and lost favor with Paul (Acts 13: 13). Thereafter, Paul would not permit Mark to join subsequent missionary journeys (Acts 15: 36-41). Sometime later, Mark appears with Paul in Rome (Philemon 24). Mark’s gospel was the first gospel written. Of its 660 verses, 600 are found in Matthew and 350 in Luke.

It is difficult to conceive that Mark would intentionally omit an ending to his gospel. However, it is highly possible that the last page of the papyrus roll had been torn away. During the first century, Christians were a despised people who were persecuted for their beliefs. Being closely associated with Peter and Paul, Mark could have been martyred before he finished his gospel.

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