Contradictions and Paradoxes in Mark 16:9

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Mark 16:9 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Mark 16:9. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Mark, after Jesus came back to life on a Sunday morning, the first person he showed himself to was Mary Magdalene, a woman he had helped by taking away seven bad spirits. This makes Mary Magdalene very special because she was the first to see Jesus alive again.

Mark 16:9: Now when [Jesus] was risen early the first [day] of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

Contradiction with John 20:1

Describes Mary Magdalene finding the empty tomb early in the morning, which contrasts with Mark 16:9's claim that she first saw the risen Jesus.

John 20:1: The first [day] of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

Contradiction with John 20:14-18

Contradicts Mark 16:9, as this passage emphasizes that Mary did not recognize Jesus until he spoke to her, differing from the immediate recognition implied in Mark.

John 20:14-18: And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

Contradiction with Luke 24:10-11

Suggests Mary Magdalene and others reported the resurrection before Jesus appeared to Mary alone, conflicting with the claim in Mark 16:9 that she was the first to see him.

Luke 24:10-11: It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary [the mother] of James, and other [women that were] with them, which told these things unto the apostles.

Contradiction with Matthew 28:9-10

Contradicts Mark 16:9 by depicting Jesus appearing to multiple women, not just Mary Magdalene, contradicting the order and exclusivity implied in Mark.

Matthew 28:9-10: And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

Paradox #1

Mark 16:9 is part of a passage that some scholars believe was not present in the earliest manuscripts of the Book of Mark. This raises questions about its authenticity and whether it was part of the original Gospel. Therefore, it can lead to debate about its authority and the theological implications of differing manuscript traditions.

Paradox #2

Some people point out that Mark 16:9 and the following verses might not have been part of the original text because the earliest manuscripts end at Mark 16:8. This raises questions about whether these verses were added later. As a result, some believe there could be inconsistencies with other accounts of events described in those verses.

Paradox #3

The conflict with "Mark 16:9" comes from the fact that many early manuscripts of the Gospel of Mark do not include verses 9–20. Some scholars believe these verses were added later because the original ending, which stops at verse 8, seemed abrupt. This raises questions about the authenticity of the longer ending.

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