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NASB | Mark 16:8 They went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had gripped them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Mark 16:8 They went out and fled from the tomb, for they were seized with trembling and astonishment; and they said nothing [about it] to anyone, because they were afraid. |
Bible Question:
Ending of Mark. Thanks Radioman. Most of the "contradictions" you mention have not bothered me, for the reasons you state. But the explanation of the gospel genealogies is VERY interesting -- thanks. I wonder what you think about the question I raised at the start of the thread? Really, there are three elements to the question. 1) how can this gospel account be read in harmony with the others (as historical accounts)? 2) in terms of the message the gospel contains (as a narrative), why would so many copies end with the bleak ending? 3) what do you make of the textual authority of the longer versions? (After all, we hold the "original autographs" to be authoritative, no?) Yours JRM |
Bible Answer: JRM, I wanted to address your points. 1) how can this gospel account be read in harmony with the others (as historical accounts)? Verses 9-20 of Mark 16 are bracketed in NU-Text as not original. They are lacking in Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus, although nearly all the other manuscripts of Mark contain them. (NU-Text These variations from the traditional text generally represent the Alexandrian or Egyptian type of text, as found in the twenty-sixth edition of the Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament (N) and the United Bible Societies' third edition (U), hence the acronym, "NU-Text".) The above information is from my study bible. (Life Application Bible, Tyndale) I admit that there are definite differences between the four Gospel accounts. But, these differences enhance the truth of the heart of the story: Jesus rose from the grave and showed Himself alive to many witnesses. If the accounts were too much alike the skeptics would say "collusion"! 2) in terms of the message the gospel contains (as a narrative), why would so many copies end with the bleak ending? "bleak"??? The man who was called the Messiah, Christ, the Holy one of Israel had just risen from the dead! What do you see as bleak? 3) what do you make of the textual authority of the longer versions? (After all, we hold the "original autographs" to be authoritative, no?) As long as we are made aware of the longer and shorter versions we can have a better view of the entire story. We still do not know whether the original secretary returned to finish the job or what. I also like to see italic words that were not in original so that we are free to compare the meaning of verses after praying. Notice also how Nicodemus (John 3) did not understand the concept of being born again after studying and memorizing the scriptures all his life from the original Hebrew documents. Scripture also speaks of those that are dull of hearing and seeing. We must deal with the glaring imperfections in our hearts before we can really understand God's word. John 3:9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? John 3:10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? John 3:11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. John 3:12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? Matthew 13:15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. Acts 28:27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. Hebrews 5:11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. There is more manuscript support for the New Testament than for any other body of ancient literature. Over five thousand Greek, eight thousand Latin, and many more manuscripts in other languages attest to the integrity of the new testament. Pastor Glenn |