Canon of Mark 16:9-20 Lesson 2 by: Steven J. Wallacewww.RevelationAndCreation.com

The Canon of Mark 16: Argument Against: “Clement of Alexandria and Origen show no knowledge of the existence of these verses” – If I never quote from Zechariah 14 in my writings, does that mean Zechariah 14 was not in existence in my day? – Clement believed baptism was essential for salvation

AD CLEMENT "Being baptized, we are illuminated; illuminated, we become sons; being made sons, we are made perfect; being made perfect, we are made immortal... This work is variously called grace, and illumination, and perfection, and washing. Washing, by which we cleanse away our sins; grace, by which the penalties accruing to transgressions are remitted; and illumination, by which that holy light of salvation is beheld, that is, by which we see God clearly." (Clement of Alexandria, "The Instructor," Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 2, pg. 215)

The Canon of Mark 16: Argument Against: “Clement of Alexandria and Origen show no knowledge of the existence of these verses” – Clement believed baptism was essential for salvation – Irenaeus quotes from this text in ca. 185 AD, “Irenaeus quotes Mark 16:19 in Against Heresies III:10:5-6, which was written ca.185 AD” (wikipedia.org)Irenaeuswikipedia.org – Justin Martyer...

The Canon of Mark 16: AD JUSTIN MARTYR "He that, out of contempt, will not be baptized, shall be condemned as an unbeliever, and shall be reproached as ungrateful and foolish. For the Lord says: 'Except a man be baptized of water and of the Spirit, he shall by no means enter into the kingdom of heaven.' And again: 'He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned.'" (Justin Martyr "Constitutions of the Holy Apostles," Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 7, pg )

The Canon of Mark 16: Argument Against: “There are 17 non-marcan words used” – 17 words in these last 12 verses are not found anywhere else in Mark In Mark 4:20-29 there are 14 words which occur nowhere else in Mark’s gospel! – who questions the authenticity of Mark 4:20-29? In Luke 24:41-53, there are 9 words used nowhere else by Luke! – who questions the authenticity of Luke’s ending?

41 But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, "Have you any food here?“ 42 So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. 43 And He took it and ate in their presence. 44 Then He said to them, "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.“ 45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. 46 Then He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 "and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 "And you are witnesses of these things. 49 "Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.“ 50 ¶ And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.

The Canon of Mark 16: Argument Against: “There are 17 non-marcan words used” – 17 words in these last 12 verses are not found anywhere else in Mark In Mark 4:20-29 there are 14 words which occur nowhere else in Mark’s gospel! – who questions the authenticity of Mark 4:20-29? In Luke 24:41-53, there are 9 words used nowhere else by Luke! – who questions the authenticity of Luke’s ending?

The Canon of Mark 16: Argument Against: A theological contradiction! “Mark 16:12 says, ‘And after that, He appeared in a different form to two of them, while they were walking along on their way to the country.’ This verse may be problematic. Jesus rose in the same body that he died in (John 2:19), though it was a glorified body. This is problematic because it suggests ‘a different form.’ Jesus did not appear in a different form. He appeared in the same body he rose in” ( 3/04/2006)Mark 16:12

Mark doesn’t say that Jesus was in a different “body” and doesn’t deny that Jesus physical “body” was raised! – He simply appeared in another form to these two – He restrained his appearance to these two persons on a road in the country – Jesus was “transfigured” before Peter, James and John prior to his death, why could He not take on another form at some time after his death if He wanted (Matt. 17:1, 2)? “After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country” (Mk. 16:12)

If this discounts authenticity of Mark, then it also denies the authenticity of Luke – both speak of the same thing! “Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus... So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him” (Lk. 24:13, 15, 16) –They compliment (not contradict) each other!

The Only Bogus Things In Relation to Mark 16: ARE THOSE ARGUMENTS GIVEN TO DISCOUNT ITS AUTHENTICITY!

Peter/Mark Connection “She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son” (1 Pet. 5:13) –Mark worked closely with Peter, Paul, and Barnabas (Phil. 1:24; 2 Tim. 4:11; Col. 4:10; Acts 15:39) –Mark simply taught what Peter already affirmed Jesus taught regarding baptism: “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mk. 16:16) “There is also an antitype which now saves us–– baptism...” (1 Pet. 3:21)

No doctrine taught in Mark 16:9-20 contradicts any other doctrine in the NT Those in error hate this passage because of its clearness Without Mark 16:9-20 –the disciples are left in our minds as “afraid” –The Gospel appears unfinished –the Great Commission would be left out (cf. Matt. 28:18, 19, Lk. 24:46-49) The Canon of Mark 16:9-20

If you want to be saved, obey Mark 16:16 today in belief and baptism!