Mark 16
On April 23rd, in Auburn, AL, I saw in the church bulletin that the pastor was preaching from Mark 16:15-20. I knew right away that it would be interesting because most modern translations identify the passage as not being found in the earliest manuscripts. Not only that, the passage describes some sensational and debated signs that would be associated with disciples of Christ. It was indeed the best sermons (maybe the only one) I've heard on the passage, and this is my recollection.
First, these are some of his arguments for the inclusion of Mark:16:9-20.
1. Ending the book with verse 8 would be very odd.
2. Many good, early translations do have the text.
3. The text corresponds with and does not contradict any other established parts of scripture.
On the last point, there is usually some degree of uncomfort. Is it true that disciples of Christ really cast out demons, speak in other tongues, heal sick, safely pick up snakes, and safely drink poison? Throughout Acts, we see clear evidence for 4 of the 5 signs:
1. Casting out demons (Acts 8)
2. Speaking in tongues (Acts 2)
3. Healing the sick (Acts 8)
4. Picking up snakes (Acts 26)
What about drinking poison? Apparently Eusibius records an incident where Justus (the alternate apostle for Mathias) was given poison and suffered no ill effects. The pastor also gave an account of a missionary in Columbia (South America) who stopped on his travels for a drink. What he was given looked like water, but actually contained potent rat poison. The owner did not like the missionary for some reason, but when she saw that he did not die, she was taken by surprise and recognized that there was something different about these men.
Of course, the pastor qualified this all very clearly: Nowhere in the passage does it say that Christ's followers will intentionally handle snakes or drink poison (i.e. in a Church service) and miraculously survive. These are signs to authenticate the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Do Christians survive evey snake bite or poisonous drink? Of course, not. Yet, in some cases God works these miracles to further his gospel.
I haven't heard any arguments against the inclusion of Mark 16:9-20, but after this sermon, I think it harmonizes with any undisputed passage in the Bible.
First, these are some of his arguments for the inclusion of Mark:16:9-20.
1. Ending the book with verse 8 would be very odd.
2. Many good, early translations do have the text.
3. The text corresponds with and does not contradict any other established parts of scripture.
On the last point, there is usually some degree of uncomfort. Is it true that disciples of Christ really cast out demons, speak in other tongues, heal sick, safely pick up snakes, and safely drink poison? Throughout Acts, we see clear evidence for 4 of the 5 signs:
1. Casting out demons (Acts 8)
2. Speaking in tongues (Acts 2)
3. Healing the sick (Acts 8)
4. Picking up snakes (Acts 26)
What about drinking poison? Apparently Eusibius records an incident where Justus (the alternate apostle for Mathias) was given poison and suffered no ill effects. The pastor also gave an account of a missionary in Columbia (South America) who stopped on his travels for a drink. What he was given looked like water, but actually contained potent rat poison. The owner did not like the missionary for some reason, but when she saw that he did not die, she was taken by surprise and recognized that there was something different about these men.
Of course, the pastor qualified this all very clearly: Nowhere in the passage does it say that Christ's followers will intentionally handle snakes or drink poison (i.e. in a Church service) and miraculously survive. These are signs to authenticate the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Do Christians survive evey snake bite or poisonous drink? Of course, not. Yet, in some cases God works these miracles to further his gospel.
I haven't heard any arguments against the inclusion of Mark 16:9-20, but after this sermon, I think it harmonizes with any undisputed passage in the Bible.
posted by Vijay Swamidass at
8:40 PM
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