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."
Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
Box 199
Middletown, DE USA, 19709
Our websites: www.biblebb.com and www.gospelgems.com
Email: tony@biblebb.com
Online since 1986