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

New Apostolic Church

New Apostolic Church

Unique & Independent

Nuanced

Passage recognized as late addition; included but with uncertainty noted

The NAC adopts a nuanced position on Mark 16:9-20: the passage is absent from the earliest manuscripts, yet it is included in most biblical editions and is theologically consistent with Jesus' character.

The NAC includes the passage in practice but acknowledges manuscript uncertainty. The passage's theological content (resurrection appearances, the Great Commission) is affirmed as consistent with Gospel teaching even while recognizing manuscript complexity.

Key Distinctions

Textual status:
absent from earliest manuscripts
Canonical status:
read in liturgy
Theological value:
content affirmed

Scripture References

Sources

  • NAC Statement of Faith
  • NAC Statement of Faith