Mark 16:9-20 — "The Longer Ending"

Assemblies of God affirms that the longer ending of Mark (16:9-20) is part of the biblical canon and carries full scriptural authority. While the AG is aware that modern textual criticism identifies the longer ending as absent from some early manuscripts, the AG has traditionally included these verses in its preaching and teaching as Scripture. The theological content of the passage — Christ's resurrection appearances, the Great Commission, and the promises of supernatural signs — is entirely consistent with AG theology.

The AG's canonical boundary includes Mark 16:9-20 as part of God's authoritative word. Many Pentecostal churches have based their theology of healing and deliverance on Mark 16:17-18 ('they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover'). This verse has been formative for AG practice and spirituality. The AG does not engage in the kind of higher-critical textual reconstruction that would remove verses based on manuscript evidence alone.

While some AG scholars acknowledge the textual-critical discussion, the denomination's official stance is to affirm the longer ending as canonical and binding. The verses are read as authentic words of Jesus and are used in proclamation, healing prayer, and discipleship training.