RSV ~ Mark 16 Notes

Mk 16:1-20 | ISB Notes

Easter morning marks the day of Christ’s victory over death and the devil. Jesus himself foresaw this triumphant outcome of his Passion (8:31; 9:31; 10:34; 14:28).

Mk 16:1 | ISB Notes

the sabbath was past: It was after 6 P.M. on Holy Saturday. See note on Mk 1:21.

Mk 16:2 | ISB Notes

first day of the week: Sunday morning. Christians commemorate this weekly as the “Lord’s day” (Rev 1:10). It is a day set apart for worship, rest, and the celebration of the Eucharist as an assembled Church (Acts 20:7; CCC 2174-77).

Mk 16:5 | ISB Notes

a young man: Matthew calls him an “angel of the Lord” (Mt 28:2).

Mk 16:6 | ISB Notes

He has risen: The Resurrection of Jesus is the greatest miracle of history.

The NT describes it as a glorious accomplishment of the Trinity: the Father (Rom 6:4), Son (Jn 10:17-18), and Holy Spirit (Rom 1:4) were together active in bringing about Christ’s Resurrection, glorification, and heavenly Ascension (CCC 648-50).

Mk 16:7 | ISB Notes

Peter: Simon is singled out as the leader of the apostolic band and the head of the New Covenant Church (Mt 16:17-19; CCC 642). The summons to meet Jesus indicates that Peter’s cowardice has been forgiven (Lk 22:31-32). In John’s Gospel, Peter three times affirms his love for Jesus as personal restitution for his threefold denial (Jn 21:15-17).

Mk 16:9-20 | ISB Notes

Ancient manuscripts of Mark’s Gospel differ in their conclusions after 16:8. Two important fourth-century manuscripts simply end at 16:8. Other versions of Mark include a “short ending” of two sentences after 16:8. The majority of Marcan manuscripts, however, include this “longer ending” (16:9-20). According to the Council of Trent, the canon of Scripture corresponds to everything included in the Latin Vulgate edition (Sess. 4, Dec. 1). This official translation includes 16:9-20 as part of the inspired Gospel.

Mk 16:14 | ISB Notes

the Eleven: Mark makes no mention of Judas Iscariot’s suicide (Mt 27:3-5) but implies his elimination from the ranks of the Twelve (3:14; 14:10, 43).

Mk 16:15-16 | ISB Notes

Mark’s account of the Great Commission stresses that the apostles must spread the Christian faith by (1) evangelization (preach) and (2) the administration of the sacraments (baptized; CCC 977, 1253, 1257). The apostles’ mission to the whole creation includes all the nations of the world (Lk 24:47). See note on Mt 28:19.

Mk 16:17-18 | ISB Notes

The power of the gospel is displayed through the miracles of those who preach it. In the early Church, the apostles drove out demons (Acts 16:16-18), spoke in new tongues (Acts 2:4-11), sustained the sting of serpents unharmed (Acts 28:1-6), and healed infirmities by placing their hands on the sick (Acts 3:6-8; 28:8; CCC 434, 670). Although these signs are not ends in themselves, they can be motives of credibility that lead unbelievers to embrace the gospel and likewise lead believers to see the reasonableness of their faith.

Mk 16:19 | ISB Notes

taken up into heaven: Jesus ascended to heaven 40 days after his Resurrection (Acts 1:3). He is now enthroned as King and Judge at the Father’s right hand (Col 3:1; Heb 12:2; CCC 659, 663). See note on Mk 14:62.

The Appearances of the Risen Christ

Central to Christian faith is the bodily resurrection of Jesus. By recording the resurrection appearances, the New Testament leaves no doubt about this event.

IN OR NEAR JERUSALEM

To Mary Magdalene

Mk 16:9; Jn 20:11-18

To other women

Mt 28:8-10

To Peter

Lk 24:34

To ten disciples

Lk 24:36-43; Jn 20:19-25

To the Eleven, including Thomas

Mk 16:14; Jn 20:26-29

At his Ascension

Mk 16:19, 20; Lk 24:50-53; Acts 1:4-12

OTHER APPEARANCES

To the disciples on the Emmaus road

Mk 16:12, 13; Lk 24:13-35

In Galilee

Mt 28:16-20; Jn 21:1-24

To 500 people

1 Cor 15:6

To James and the other apostles

1 Cor 15:7

To Paul on the road to Damascus

Acts 9:1-6; 22:1-10; 26:12-18; 1 Cor 15:8