Subject: MARK 16:16: Was it perverted? |
Bible Note: A O :-) Justme here, greetings. I read some of the notes on your question. Tim is super sharp on his information. I would offer my understanding on this passage in Mark 16. Please note nothing I will say is original with me, this has been a topic of concern, debate, and study for many centuries. I merely am repeating what I was taught or have read in my studies. There is reason to doubt the validity of verses 9-20. The question is not so much about the content of verses 9-20 (except verse 18) but rather did Mark pen this passage. I think your approach to asking do these verses conflict with the balance of Scripture is a wise way to seek wisdon and come to a reasonable conclusion. The verse I find no Scrriptual backing for Mark Chapter 16 is verse 18. This verse is quite problematic. There is no place in the New Testament of drinking deadly poison without death or serious consequences. The added problem is there are some who pickup snakes today as a sign to prove true faith and salvation in Jesus. This presents some special questioning, would Jesus have suggested anything as remotely like picking up snakes as proof of ones genuine salvation. Theologicaly this is not within acceptable understanding of Jesus teachings, or Scriptual backing. All the verses from Mark 19:9-20 except verse 18, do have New testament simularities, and therefor are consistant with Scripture. Howeever, as to if Mark actually wrote verses 9-20 is highly unlikely. Most likely Mark did orginally have a different (lost) ending. Most Biblical scholars say the last 13 verses were not written by Mark. Most references state these verses contain a word structure that is not like the words, style, and theological presentation Mark used elsewhere in the book of Mark. Clearly there is ample reason to challange picking up snakes, and dringing poison and using is as a flese before the Lord. This is testing the Lord Almighty Holy Father, which represents a challenge to our Holy Father, not a proof of our faith in Jesus Christ. I am concerned that I am not challinging leaving the Bible correctiveness, or Biblical insperation. I am nothing when copairing the trustworthiness of any Scripture, and unworthy and to make any definative statement about removing these verses. In deed I am unworthy to have emptied the bed pans of Paul, or Mark! So please do not think I taking the position to change anything in Mark or any other of the 66 books in the Bible. I would be interested in any thinking you have on what input I have presented you with. Blessings. justme |