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16:1–8 Upon arriving at Jesus’ tomb, several women find that the stone is no longer covering the entrance. A man—likely an angel—instructs them to tell the disciples that Jesus had risen from the grave and would meet them in Galilee.

16:2 the first day of the week Refers to Sunday.

By Mark’s reckoning, Jesus died and was buried before sunset at the end of the 15th of Nisan (Friday). The Sabbath that followed (Saturday) extended from that sunset (the beginning of the 16th of Nisan) to the next sunset (the beginning of the 17th of Nisan, Sunday). In accordance with Jesus’ predictions (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:34), He was buried for three calendars days: the end of 15 Nisan, the entirety of 16 Nisan, and the beginning of 17 Nisan.

16:5 young man Mark does not explicitly state that the man is an angel (compare Matt 28:3, 5; Luke 24:23; John 20:12).

16:6 See the place where they laid him Compare Mark 15:47.

16:7 just as he told you Refers to Jesus’ statement to His disciples on the night of His betrayal (14:28).

16:8 because they were afraid This likely is the original ending of Mark’s Gospel. It cuts off abruptly, with the only witnesses to the resurrection afraid and saying nothing to anyone. This clearly is not the whole story—and (apart from other Gospel accounts) Mark’s earliest readers probably were aware that the women did tell others and Jesus did appear to His disciples in Galilee. This startling ending invites Mark’s readers to join the story of Jesus and become his witnesses. Those who read Mark and come to recognize Jesus as the Messiah can carry on His mission by bearing witness to His true character, showing love toward God and neighbor, proclaiming forgiveness in Jesus’ name, and awaiting His return.

The Ending of Mark’s Gospel

16:9–20 This passage, which has been designated the longer ending of Mark, summarizes the risen Jesus’ dealings with His disciples as narrated in the other canonical Gospels. Based on manuscript evidence, it probably is a later addition intended to harmonize Mark’s account with those of Matthew, Luke, and John. Some manuscripts include a so-called shorter ending—several sentences typically placed immediately before vv. 9–20. It, too, is thought to have been added later.

The Ending of Mark’s Gospel

	About Faithlife Study Bible Faithlife Study Bible (FSB) is your guide to the ancient world of the Old and New Testaments, with study notes and articles that draw from a wide range of academic research. FSB helps you learn how to think about interpretation methods and issues so that you can gain a deeper understanding of the text.
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