3. Evidence of the Early Fathers. There are some expreeeions in the 'Shepherd of Hermae,' written in all probability not later than the middle of the second century, which are evidently taken from St. Mark (xvi. 16). Justin Martyr (about A.D. 160) quotes the last two verses. The evidence of Irenmus (A.D. 177) is yet more striking. In one of his booke (' Adv. Hmr.,' iii. 10) he quotes the beginning and the end of St. Mark's Gospel in the eame paeeage, in the latter part of which he says, "But in the end of his Gospel Mark eaith, 'And the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken unto them, was received into heaven, and eitteth at the right hand of God,' confirming what was said by the prophet, 'The Lord saith unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.' " This evidence of Irenreus is conclusive ae to the fact that in his time there was no doubt as to the genuineness and authenticity of the passage in Aeia Minor, in Gaul, or in Italy. There yet remains the question of internal euidence. Now, to begin with. If it is assumed that St. Mark's Gospel ended at the close of ver. 8, the abruptness of the conclusion is very striking in the English, and still more so in the Greek (bf,o/3ovvro yap). It seems scarcely possible to suppose that it could have ended here. Renan says on this point, "On ne peut guere admettre que le texte primitif finit d'une maniere aussi abrupte." On the other hand, having regard to the mode in which St. Mark opens his Gospel, we might suppose that he would condense at the close as he condenses at the beginning. The first year of our Lord's ministry is dis- posed of very briefly; we might, therefore, expect a rapid and compendious conclusion. Two or three important evidences of our Lord's resurrection are concisely stated; then, without any break, but where the reader musi supply an interval, he is transported into Galilee. St. Mark had already recorded the words of Christ (xiv. 28), "But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee." How natural, therefore, that he should refer in some way to our Lord's presence in Galilee after hie resurrection; which he does in the most effective manner by quoting the worde which St. Matthew (xxvii. 16, eto.) tells us were spoken by him in Galilee. Then another stride from Galilee to Bethany, to the last earthly scene of all-the Ascension. The whole is eminently characteristic of St. Mark. His Gospel ends, as we might expect it to end, from the character of its beginning. On the whole, the evidence as to the genuin,ness and authenticity of this passage seems irresistible. INTRODUCTION TO
IIl. ANALYSIS OF 0oNTENT8 OF ST. MABK18 GOSPEL. CB. I, 1-8 Preaching of John the Baptist. 9-11 Baptism of Jesus by John. 12, 13 Temptation of our Lord in the wilderness. 14, 15 Commencement of our Lord's public ministry. 16-18 Call of Anru-ew and Simon. 19, 20 Call of James and John, sons of Zebedee. 21, 22 Our Lord preaches in the synagogue at Capernaum. 23-28 The ea.sting out of the unclean spirit in the synagogue. 29-34 The healing of Simon's wife's mother, and many others. 35-37 Retirement of our Lord for prayer. 38, 39 Missionary circuit throughout Galilee. ~ 5 Healing of a leper. OIL II. 1-12 Christ heals the paralytic at Capemaum. 13-17 The call of Levi. 18-22 Discourse with the Pharisees about fasting. 23-28 The disciples pluck the ears of ".Om on the sabbath. <:H. III. 1-6 The healing of the man whose hand was withered. The malice of the Pharisees and Herodians. 7-12 Jesus withdraws to the sea, followed by a great multitude. A little boat waits upon him because of the crowd. He performs many miracles. 13-19 Jesus goes into the mountain, and there appoints the twelve to be his apostles. 20-30 Jesus returns to Capernaum. He is again thronged by a multitude. !:lis friends come to lay hold of him. His miracles are ascribed to Beelzebub by his enemies. He warns them of the danger of resisting the Holy Spirit. .31-35 His mother and his brethren come seeking him. -cH. IV. 1-20 The parable of the sower, and its explanation. 21-25 Further disconrse on the responsibility of hearing. 26-29 Parable of the seed growing secretly. 30-34 Parable of the grain of mustard seed. 25---41 Our Lord stills the tempest, as he crosses the sea to the country of tbo Gerasenes. CH. v. 1-20 On landing on the eastern coast, our Lord is met by a man who is possessed. Our Lord heals him, and suffers the dispossessed evil spirits to enter into a herd of swine. 21-24 Our Lord crosses over again to the western shore, where he is met by Jairus, who seeks healing for his little daughter. 25-34 On his way to the house of Jairus he heals a woman with an issue of blood. 35-43 He enters the house of Jairus, and raises to life again his daughter now dead. -cB. VL 1-6 Our Lord visits Nazareth, where, being met with unbelief, he works but few miracles. He leaves Nazareth, and makes another missionary circuit. 7-13 He now sends forth the twelve whom he had already appointed, and gives them instructions for their mission. 14-29 Herod the tetrarch hears of the fame of Jesus. The account of the death of John the Baptist. 30-44 Our Lord and his disciples again cross the sea, and are met_ by a great multi- tude. The five thousand are miraculously fed. 45-52 Our Lord walks on the sea, and stills the tempest. 63-56 Our Lord and his disciples reach the country of Gennesaret, where they are again met by great numbers wherever they go; and he heals many. TllE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MARK. xi