By Julie M. Smith 

Virtually all scholars believe that Mark 16:9–20[1] was not originally part of the Gospel for the following reasons:

1. Some ancient manuscripts lack it and some of those that include it have a note that the text is disputed.[2]
2. It is difficult to imagine why a copyist would omit it; it is much easier to imagine a copyist adding it.
3. Several early Christian writers appear to know copies of the Gospel of Mark that do not include Mark 16:9-20.[3] Continue reading →