Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Mark 16:15 and 16
BSB
Into all the world
The two oldest manuscripts containing Mark 16 date from the fourth century. In them the Gospel ends at verse 8. It closes with the women fleeing from the tomb in fear. The ending that contains these words was probably added later. But it is old: Irenaeus was already quoting it around the year 180.
Notice how the second sentence is built. Being saved goes with believing and being baptised. Being condemned goes only with not believing. However this ending came about, the direction is clear. The good news isn't for a small circle, but for all creation.
Question for today
Who around me has never really heard the good news?
Prayer
Lord, you send your people into all the world. Let it begin with me, in my own street. Give me words and actions that point to you. Amen.
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