Questioner

The verses in Mark 16:9-20 have a note with them stating that "The earliest manuscripts and some ancient witnesses do not have Mark 16:9-20."  With that said, then how should we handle those verses?


Answer

Because Mark 16:9-20 does not exist in the earlier manuscripts and other ancient witnesses, then it would clearly indicate that they were "added" by some scribe(s), and should never be used to build or support doctrines or practice. They have no guarantee of being inspired scripture--they were not in the original manuscripts.  It is best to ignore Mark 16:9-20, certainly never to preach on them, nor use them to support any doctrine, since they were added to the inspired scriptures, which is prohibited in Revelation,

REV 22:18-19, "I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book."


Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "Tony Capoccia's Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
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