The Mystery of The Gospel of Mark

One of the most puzzling questions in the New Testament for me has always been the mysterious ending of the Gospel of Mark. Specifically, Mark 16: 9-20. It says some good stuff... but then says some very un-Markish stuff. What's going on? Did the original ending actually end abruptly? Was it lost or added over time, or something else? And what are we to do with a text that says Christians should handle poisonous snakes and drink poison? I interviewed respected biblical scholar, Dr. Clark Bates, to give some clarity.

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[daniela-do]

I just admire Melissa your “busy mind” . Sometimes going into uncomfortable Christian basic life . Pressing to look for answers . Going to the intellectual. Thank you ever so much❤

[e.m.]

I've been a word studying Christian since 1995, but in the past year, I have dug deeper into biblical scholarship than I ever have. As much as I love the extensive learning, I do find it has opened up a lot more questions than I've ever had. Sometimes I wonder if ignorance really is bliss. (just kidding, kind of)

[barbarawiggins]

Please, please, please do have more of this! Please have more info on topics like this.

[karenpeterson]

Great discussion! "Textual criticism" is actually a blessing to our faith - God's Word is accurate and true! Thank you both. (And do have another such, on the John passage. :-))

[jermaineallen]

This was covered with such care and love for those of us who would listen to it. Thank you Melissa for your thoughtfulness in serving God’s people. 🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽

[tersny]

That was AWESOME instruction, Doctor!! Thank you!!😊

[lhart]

Love this discussion. I atudy as deep as i can into scripture to understand better. I ask God to answer my questions in studying, and he does as I keep studying and listening to the Holy Spirit and proof against scripture in its fullness, Old and New Testament alike. But my trust is in God to show me and teach me as I grow in Him.

[markkthompson]

I just recently discovered you. I wish I had these perspectives a long time ago. I am an older guy, so many of your discussions have answered questions I have on my “ask Jesus” list. I imagine He will be grateful, the list is getting shorter. Thank you

[melissazabower]

This is a great interview! Fascinating & helpful. I would love a follow up discussing the passage in John. Thanls

[JillCee]

With the poison and snakes, definitely about God providing protection from them. Examples of apostles being protected. Also, do not put the Lord your God to the test. With the rest of the verse, one issue is many on social media make these practices much more dramatic than they normally are. The ultimate proof of the pudding is life transformation. Not everyone we pray for will experience that change of course. But it is definitely worth it for the ones to do!

[suzannecarroll]

What a great explanation Doctor. Thanks Melissa for sharing this.

[watchmen-nehemiahv]

After we have faced the judgement and are home, we will still be learning and teaching. When we are home, many MANY more layers of understandings in scripture will be revealed. We may even say things like "how did people NOT see/know that this verse meant that its so obvious" ... We see in part and know in part right now. Blessings in Jesus as you seek for treasure with all of your heart. -Bryan

[joanschutter]

I like his word “authority” in reference to the apostles using the signs and wonders to show their authority since the written word was not available at that time. Now we have the authority of God’s word. Sign gifts may still exist but their prominence isn’t necessary. Charles Swindoll says after the New Testament was canonized around 100-150 AD the sign gifts died out.
As I listened, I thought about my Mormon missionary friends and Muslim neighbor who say the Bible is corrupted. I go back to my BIOLA prof who said there are over 2000 variants in translation but nothing that changes doctrine. (Unless you’re Catholic!)

[terraloft]

For such lovely scholarly dialogue, thank you

[triciadovidiocosmetologist]

It's impossible to please God without faith.

[TheNutmegStitcher]

Wow. He did a great job of summarizing the key elements of textual criticism. I've tried to read about it, but always got lost in the minutiae.

[deborahddenmark]

thank you both, this is the best Q&A I have heard on this topic. I am so looking forward to Dr. Bates coming back SOON for a discussion on the bit in John. Excellent discussion.

[Bad_Llama]

We need more people to hear this. They need to understand the history of the bible itself and be better equipped to answer difficult questions they will be asked if they are doing what Christ commanded us to do when he said to preach to all nations.

[carolsmith]

"God preserved His Word through the differences" -- !

[lynnlink]

Coming out of England. Answers NOT all about monasteries! Translations? GOD, in spite of monasteries, is able to keep GOD's WORD! FOREVER! 🙏🧔‍♀️💥