The Last Twelve Verses of the Gospel According to S. Mark by John William Burgon
Read "The Last Twelve Verses of the Gospel According to S. Mark by John William Burgon" Online
This book is available in the public domain. Start reading the digital edition below.
START READING FULL BOOKBook Preview
A short preview of the book’s content is shown below to give you an idea of its style and themes.
This isn't a novel or a typical history book. It's a deep, detailed argument. John William Burgon, a dean and scholar, wrote it to defend the final twelve verses of the Gospel of Mark (the bit with Jesus's post-resurrection appearances and the Great Commission) against critics who claimed they were a later addition. The book is his courtroom, and he presents his evidence: countless references from early church fathers, comparisons of ancient Greek and Latin manuscripts, and logical critiques of his opponents' methods. He's not just making a point; he's building a fortress of facts.
Why You Should Read It
You get a front-row seat to a 19th-century intellectual brawl. Burgon's passion is undeniable. He writes with the fervor of someone who believes truth is under attack. Even if you don't agree with his conclusions, watching him marshal evidence is impressive. It pulls back the curtain on how biblical scholarship works—the debates over ancient handwriting, the weight given to different manuscripts, and how personal conviction shapes academic pursuit. It makes you think about where our "authoritative" texts really come from.
Final Verdict
This is a niche but gripping read for a specific audience. It's perfect for curious Bible readers who've seen those footnotes and wondered what the fuss is about, or for anyone interested in the history of books and textual criticism. It's not a light, easy read—Burgon's style is dense and his arguments are technical. But if you enjoy watching a masterful, opinionated scholar defend his hill with every tool at his disposal, you'll find it compelling. Think of it as historical detective work, where the mystery is a paragraph of ancient scripture.
This book is widely considered to be in the public domain. Share knowledge freely with the world.
Richard Martinez
11 months agoAs someone who reads a lot, the flow of the text seems very fluid. Definitely a 5-star read.
Kenneth Lewis
10 months agoSimply put, the storytelling feels authentic and emotionally grounded. Thanks for sharing this review.
Richard Brown
1 year agoThanks for the recommendation.
Dorothy Torres
1 year agoWow.
Richard Jackson
7 months agoThis is one of those stories where the clarity of the writing makes this accessible. A valuable addition to my collection.