round 2

Introduction
There is much controversy concerning the ending of Mark’s Gospel, a continuous Debate about the originality of its ending. There are three different endings to the Gospel of Mark. The first ending adds one shot verse after 16:8 and is thought by many scholars to be the most unlikely ending to Mark. The second ending, which is the longest ending. Many feel that it may have been added later. The third ending, which is in most of our bibles today, is the most controversial because of its abrupt ending. In spite of the debate, the third ending is the most likely because of A B C
“These different endings are added in some bibles. The shortest ending, which is the first one mentioned has no references. The second one is referred to as Mark 16. 9-20”. (p.225) As well as the main ending, that is printed in every bible, and is considered to most scholars, the original ending of Mark. The other two endings are usually added in the footnotes of the bible. Although there is great debate as to whether the first second, or original ending is the real ending of mark, the original ending seems the most likely.
First, and shortest ending

There are three different endings to Mark. The first adds another verse after canonical 16:8: “ After this, Jesus himself sent out form east to west, through their work, the sacred and imperishable proclamation of external salvation. Amen.” This ending was seen to many scholars as the least unlikely ending. Scholars agree that Marks shortest ending is quite unlike Mark’s style. It is grandiose and formal...” Many scholars feel this ending is the least likely to be the true ending of mark, not many have focused their attention on this particular ending. Scholars agree that this ending is not the true ending of Mark because it does not have references, and seems to be the least unlikely ending of Mark.
The book of Mark could have ended in this way. This ending ends with the continuous proclamation of the good news, and the purpose of God’s resurrection is fulfilled. Closing Mark in this way leaves the reader with Jesus himself, alive, calling his followers to spread the Gospel. In short, this ending could be the true ending to some, but ultimately according to evidence and scholars support, this added verse would be the lest likely to end Marks Gospel.
Second and longest ending
The second ending typically given as Mark 16:9-20 in most bibles finishes saying that “[t]hey went out and announced the message everywhere. The Lord worked with them, validation their message by the signs that accompanied them”(p.224) Many bibles have this ending added, as well as inform the reader that this ending may not be the true closing to Marks Gospel. Some Scholars suggest that this longer closing was not the original ending, but was added some time later. Some remain unsure about the real ending, whether it was added at a later date, or if it could be considered the true ending of Marks Gospel. Still, Scholars feel that the original ending, which was written in all bibles was the intended ending, and perhaps the long ending, as discussed here “… was not originally part of the forth Gospel but was added by later scribes; the same can be said of the final 12 verses of the Gospel of Mark (Mark 19: 9-20). In many instances, however, the surviving witnesses are so significantly divided that scholars cannot agree concerning the original form of the text.”(p.3) Furthermore, there is a possibility scholars argue, that the longest ending was written as a “second volume”. Perhaps with all the copying, and the continuous spread of the Gospel, the book of Mark grew to have a second volume. “This possibility must be taken seriously. But if this is the case, how did it come to have a rather wide circulation and use in the early church? Someone obviously was the document as suitable for circulation and widespread use. A second possibility is that what we have really is “ the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus” and that the author intended, much like Luke, to offer a second volume to talk about the continuation of the gospel. (P.45)” Many scholars feel that this ending may be considered as a second volume; as a continuation gospel. Other scholars feel that perhaps this ending may be the true ending, or maybe even an ending added on later by scribes.


In my opinion, even though scholars may be unsure themselves whether to believe that this is the ture ending to Marks Gospel or not, readers may feel that this is the true ending. Some may feel strongly that this is indeed the original ending because it, gives examples of Jesus speaking after his is resurrection, and proclaiming the good news. This ending gives the reader a sense of completeness, and clarity of the resurrection of the Christ. But what I truly think is that perhaps the original ending is not the second ending, but rather the longest ending was added on later. The thought that some scholars may have problems deciphering what the true ending of Mark adds confusion to the reader. How can we be certain which ending of Mark is the true ending? Overall I feel that this is ending is not the true ending of Mark. Furthermore, as suggested above, seeing the longer ending as a second volume, allows the first ending to be qualified as the first ending, but also allows the second ending to be effective and have a role in the ending of Mark.
Third, and ending seen in bibles today
The Third ending is the one that is found in most bibles. The first ending ends with three women running away in fear. As stated in the NIV “ Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid”(Mark 16:8). Mary Magdalene, Mary and the mother of James arrived at the tomb; the good news the women received from “heavenly messenger” was not passed on due to their bewilderment. Some scholars feel that the main ending, found in our bibles today cannot possibly be the original ending because of its abrupt ending. This ending of Mark leaves the reader in anticipation. The level of uncertainly caused by the women’s fear, creates a longing for a continuation of the passage. Although there is much controversy, “Many think that Mark intended his Gospel to end with 16:8. If so, the women’s trembling and amazement, dumb-foundness and fear, bring the Gospel to a close on the note of awe, as appropriate to Marks portrayal of Jesus as the Christ, God’s Son.” (Gundry, P.155) Scholars feel that this claim represents the way that Mark truly sees Jesus. Ending in this abrupt way gives insight to Marks true feelings and thoughts. However, Many scholars are confused with the ending of Mark, but suggest that the striking urgency and confusion of the ending is all part of Gods plan.

According to the New Oxford Annotated Bible; as quoted below, Scholars feel that there is a strong pull toward the possibility that the urgent ending of mark was done on purpose to allow readers to search for the continuation of the story in the other Gospels, such as Matthew Luke and John. When we look at the other Gospels, we have the opportunity to search deeper to find out about the resurrection. “Nothing is certainly known either about how this Gospel originally ended or about the origin of vv. 9-20, which cannot have been part of the original text of Mark…. Through it is possible that the compiler (!) of the gospel intended this abrupt ending, one can find hints that he intended to descried events after the resurrection”(p.1238) . Scholars feel that the abrupt ending was done on purpose. Many agree that the abruptness of the ending was done intentionally to create a desire for more. “Mark speaks of a young man who greeted the women at the tomb, Luke of two men, Matthew of an angel, and John of two angles. Mark’s and Matthew’s Jesus appears only in Galilee: Luke’s, only in Jerusalem”(P.137) Although there are differences to some of the details to these other Gospels. Matthew and Luke offer the reader the continuation of the gospel, through other books.


Perhaps Mark ended the book the way he did, so the reader would look to the other Gospels such as Luke, Matthew or John to find out more about the resurrection of the Christ. Maybe Mark felt it was appropriate to leave the reader wanting more. Perhaps Marks goal was to capture the reader’s attention by giving them something, but not enough, thus creating a longing for more. Allowing an opportunity for the seeking heart to dig deeper, to create a desire to go into the details, in order to find the true meaning of Christ’s resurrection. It’s interesting to see that the other Gospels allow the reader to see not only differences of the Gospels, but also the continuation of the Christ’s resurrection. I think that this ending the (original ending) is the true ending. This ending seems to be most likely in Marks style and offers the reader with anticipation and a longing for more.



Conclusion
Although there is much controversy about which ending is true the ending of the gospel, evidence points towards the original ending of the confused and bewildered women running away in fear. Many scholars feel that ending the book of Mark, in this fashion, leaves the reader with a sense of intensity. Also, leaving the reader in this way creates a longing deep within, to search for the continuation of the good news. This ending seems to fit as Marks style as quoted above, and allows the reader to search other places, in order to find the continuation of Christ’s resurrection. Other evidence shares that
“That’s the end. “The earliest Gospel never mentions—at least not in the best ancient manuscripts—the risen Jesus' re- unions with his followers as described in Matthew, Luke and John. Accounts of the appearance of the risen Jesus were added to the end of Mark by later scribal hands. The NRSV labels these as "shorter" and "longer" endings, and relegates to foot- notes a discussion of how these endings were fashioned.” (p.1 Dart)

Although the main ending may seem abrupt, it still holds true to Marks gospel and message. The shorter and longer endings are placed in footnotes in the bible, and are not referred to as the true ending of the Gospel. The original ending is the real ending. We are still able to continue our search on the resurrection, in different gospels. And we are even able to read the other versions if necessary, but the original ending seems the most appropriate to end the Gospel of Mark.