Mark 16:9-20 — "The Longer Ending"

Whether the longer ending of Mark's Gospel (verses 9-20), absent from the earliest manuscripts, is considered part of canonical Scripture or a later addition.

Overall consensus61/100

Christian & Missionary Alliance

Christian & Missionary Alliance

Evangelical

Nuanced

Longer Ending (9-20) likely later addition; canonical authority debated

The C&MA acknowledges that Mark 16:9-20 is likely a later addition to the original Gospel, not part of Mark's earliest manuscript tradition. However, the denomination does not flatly deny the passage's authority. Rather, it recognizes the text as an early Christian witness to post-resurrection appearances and the Great Commission.

Key Distinctions

Textual status:
likely later addition
Canonical status:
canonically ambiguous
Theological value:

Scripture References

Sources

  • C&MA Statement of Faith