There is considerable doubt among scholars about whether Mark 16:9–20 belong to the original text of Mark, as the earliest manuscripts do not include them. If so, the book of Mark seems to end abruptly. Was it because he was killed before he could conclude his gospel, or was his conclusion simply lost? Attempts seem to have been made to give the book a proper ending through later additions. In some manuscripts, a short conclusion has been added stating that Jesus sent His disciples east and west with the gospel. In other manuscripts, this passage (vv. 9–20) has been included. These endings are recognised as not present in the original text. Nevertheless, this passage is included in most Bibles.

We have the unusual note that Jesus rebuked the disciples for “their lack of faith” and “stubborn refusal to believe” the witnesses He had sent (v. 14). Why so? In Scripture, matters were to be established with two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15; see also Matthew 18:16; 2 Corinthians 13:1). Jesus had sent three witnesses to the disciples: Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9) and two others who were “walking in the country” (v. 12, these were the two who were walking on the road to Emmaus; Luke 24:13–35).

When Mary told the disciples what she had seen, “they did not believe it” (Mark 16:11). When the two men also told the disciples what they had witnessed, “they did not believe them either” (v. 13). Hence, Jesus rebuked the sceptical disciples.

Jesus then told the disciples (and continues to tell us all) to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation”, assuring them that anyone who “believes and is baptised will be saved” but anyone who “does not believe will be condemned” (vv. 15–16). He also promised to give them some amazing signs: the power to drive out demons, to speak in new tongues, to pick up snakes and drink poison without being harmed, and to heal the sick (vv. 17–18). Some of these were seen subsequently (see Acts 16:18; 2:4; 28:3–6; 14:8–10), but they do not seem to be the norm.

Jesus, as the triumphant Son of God, then ascended to heaven and was seated at the right hand of God, just as He had said earlier (Mark 16:19; see 14:62). Likewise, He will also return in the clouds one day (13:26–27). This is the glorious gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (1:1).