Did Mark Miss The Mark?

Mark 16:9-20 Religious people despise parts of Scripture Mk.16 – object of rejection, ridicule, opposition

I. Textual Criticism

Mk.16:9-20 – The facts Missing from two oldest Gk. MSS Found in vast number of witnesses (‘the great majority of MSS’) including: Irenaeus (2 nd Century) Tatian’s Diatessaron (AD 170!) Justin Martyr’s Apology? (five words, v.20) A C D K W X Δ Θ Π Ψ f etc.

Mk.16:9-20 – The facts Missing from two oldest Gk. MSS Verses 9-20 = 167 words. 15 are unique to Mark Broadus (SBTS) Preceding 12 vss. of Mark has 12 words & phrases unique to Mark McGarvey Last 12 vss. of Luke has 9 words unique to Luke

Mk.16:9-20 – The facts Missing from two oldest Gk. MSS Verses 9-20 = 167 words. 15 unique to Mark Vaticanus leaves enough space to insert the ‘missing’ verses

Mk.16:9-20 – The facts Missing from two oldest Gk. MSS Verses 9-20 = 167 words. 15 unique to Mark Vaticanus leaves enough space to insert the ‘missing’ verses Best explanation? Verses became detached from early copy of Mark Because of prejudice? (17-20?) Do we really believe Mark ended at 8?

“If the last twelve verses did not form part of the autograph, there is nothing to show when they were attached to the Gospel. But they must have been very generally accepted as the work of Mark soon after the middle of the second century, if not indeed at an earlier time. It is significant that a writer of such wide knowledge as Irenaeus entertained no doubt as to their genuineness” – Swete, cix-cx.

“The section is found in most of the uncial and in all the cursive MSS, in most of the ancient versions, in all the existing Greek & Syriac lectionaries as far as examined; and Irenaeus, who is a much older witness than any of our existing MSS, quotes verse 19 as a part of the gospel of Mark. A strong intrinsic argument for the genuineness is also derived from the extreme improbability (we may say imposs- ibility) that the evangelist should have inten- tionally closed his gospel with ‘for they were afraid,’ verse 8” – P. Schaff, president of ASV translation committee: Companion to the Greek NT, p.190

I. Textual Criticism II. Tactical Challenges

1. “Baptism cannot be necessary for salvation” Mere assertion 1. Precept : “go” 2. Place : “all the world” 3. Purpose : “preach gospel” 4. People : “every creature” 5. Plan : “belief & baptism” 6. Pardon : “shall be saved” 7. Punishment : “shall be condemned”

1. “Baptism cannot be necessary for salvation” 2. “16:16 does not say, ‘if not baptized, shall be condemned’” “He…shall be saved”  If not modified, universal salvation  If rearranged: 1. Infant baptism: “baptized, then later may believe” 2. Faith alone: “believe & NOT baptized shall be saved” 3. Mark: “believe & baptized…saved”

1. “Baptism cannot be necessary for salvation” 2. “16:16 does not say, ‘if not baptized, shall be condemned’” “He…shall be saved” 3. Passage: “believe & baptized…saved” Coupling Link

1. “Baptism cannot be necessary for salvation” 2. “16:16 does not say, ‘if not baptized, shall be condemned’” “He…shall be saved” 3. Passage: “believe & baptized…saved” Two conditions required for salvation. To be lost, omit one. Unbelief: 11, Jn.3:18 – need no further acts of disobedience

1. “Baptism cannot be necessary for salvation” 2. “16:16 does not say, ‘if not baptized, shall be condemned’” “He…shall be saved” 3. Passage: “believe & baptized…saved” Inexperienced investor to client: “Believe me, I can make you a fortune; now give me your money.” Client: “I don’t believe you!”  Must he ask if he will give him his money anyway??

1. “Baptism cannot be necessary for salvation” 2. “16:16 does not say, ‘if not baptized, shall be condemned’” “He…shall be saved” 3. Passage: “believe & baptized…saved” “Belief & baptism are so closely associated that they are conceived of as virtually a single act” – Wessel

1. “Baptism cannot be necessary for salvation” 2. “16:16 does not say, ‘if not baptized, shall be condemned’” “He…shall be saved” 3. Passage: “believe & baptized…saved” Consistent principle: When Lord promises salvation on certain conditions, salvation may depend on more conditions, but never on fewer. Lk.13:3; Ro.10:10

1. “Baptism cannot be necessary for salvation” 2. “16:16 does not say, ‘if not baptized…condemned’” 3. “Since salvation is by faith alone, baptism is not necessary” “He who 1 enters a train + 2 sits down 3 reaches the city” If saved at point of faith, no time to sit Since we can go to city w/o train, faith is unnecessary

1. “ Baptism cannot be necessary for salvation” 2. “16:16 does not say, ‘if not baptized…condemned’” 3. “Since salvation is by faith alone, baptism is not necessary” 4. “Believer is not condemned, thus saved w/o baptism” Refuse baptism = reject counsel of God, Lk.7:29-30 Reject God / His Word = Judgment, Jn.12:48 Not born of water… = no entering His kingdom, Jn.3:5

I. Textual Criticism III. Trustworthy Conclusions II. Tactical Challenges

Mark 16 agrees with other passages 1. Resurrection of Christ on 1st day of week, 9. [Mt.28; Lk.24; Jn.20] 2. Mary Magdalene. 9-10: 1 first witness, Jn.20; 2 seven demons, Lk.8:2; 3 told apostles, Jn.20: Mourning, unbelief, [Lk.24:25, 41; Tho., Jn.20:24…] 4. Appearance in another form to two, 12. [Lk.24:13-32]

Mark 16 agrees with other passages 5. Appearance to eleven at table, 14. [Lk.24:36-43] 6. World-wide commission, 15. [Mt.28:19] 7. Conditions: belief & baptism, 16. [Mt.28:19, bap.; Ac.2:38 (44-45, belief). Cf. Luke 24:47, repentance 8. Miraculous signs, [Ac.1:8; 2:4-12; 3:6…; 28; Hb.2:3-4] 9. Farewell & ascension, R. hand of God, 19.