Psalms: 103 * 111, 114; Exodus 12:28-39; 1Corinthians 15:12-28; Mark 16:9-20Yesterday we had the "first ending" to Mark's Gospel, and today we have the "second". Most people who study these things opine that "someone" (or some group of people) appended verses 9-20 to Mark's chapter 16. The short explanation is that Mark was writing to a particularly abused Christian community, and this appended ending was added when Mark's Gospel went into wider circulation.
The two are quite different - one leaving lots of questions and the second providing some answers and direction. I have always found this academic exercise, although interesting, rather superfluous to the life and teachings of Jesus. I find much greater learnings and support and guidance from studying that life and those teachings than any knowledge I gain by engaging in the academic struggle of which is the proper ending point of the Gospel of Mark.
Be that as it may, we have Jesus arisen. Thanks be to God.
jfd+
Copyright 2010, The Rev. John F. Dwyer. All Rights Reserved.
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