Sorry, PeterP! I meant to further clarify to the point about Mark being the first gospel. Most scholars suggest that after Matthew, Luke, and John (which have more extensive post resurrection narrative) were written, Mark's ending felt more incomplete. Many believe that the additional verses were added to provide helpful clarity. They also tend to admit that even though there is a thematic reason to accept Mark's original ending, they do believe that it was incomplete. These two points combined with the further clarity of the other gospels led to these latter verses.
PeterP, I appreciate your thoughts. I also think Mark and Peter would. Along with some of the scholars, I think it is also helpful to note that Mark is very likely the first Gospel. With nothing to compare it to, it was likely understood that the empty tomb and risen Jesus, while being confusing, scary, and amazing, also was followed by the historical events in Acts. In other words, people understood in many ways the 'rest of the story' on some level. There are some other things that make the ending strange, but I am very cautious here. While I do agree with many that the longer ending doesn't seem to fit, I don't want to simply leave it out or ignore it.
Thanks, Onfire247! I am literally working on 16:14-20. It is particularly difficult as I have been memorizing along with studying a commentary. The commentary disavows this latter part of Mark because it was not included in the vast majority of our earlier texts. When I began this work, I wasn't going to memorize beyond verse 8(earliest ending), but I can't help it. Note: the commentary doesn't suggest that those later verse (16:9-20) are not scripture or that they are not true, right, correct, etc., they simply suggest that these verses were added later likely by someone other than Mark.
Thanks, Everyone! For the record, my goal is to memorize the book of Mark, and along with the 50 million point milestone, I am happy to say that I am in progress on the final verses of Mark 16. I am a log way from 100% on the entire book, but I am extremely encouraged to at least have the book memorized.
I am, however, 100% convinced that I would not have continued this effort without the encouragement and testimony of you all. There have been many times where frustration, life, grammar, etc. have brought me down, but so many people on this site have helped with strategy, technique, words of encouragement, and enthusiasm. It has been a vital part of this work, and it another reminder of how God mercifully calls us to community.
Thanks, Everyone! For the record, my goal is to memorize the book of Mark, and along with the 50 million point milestone, I am happy to say that I am in progress on the final verses of Mark 16. I am a log way from 100% on the entire book, but I am extremely encouraged to at least have the book memorized.
I am, however, 100% convinced that I would not have continued this effort without the encouragement and testimony of you all. There have been many times where frustration, life, grammar, etc. have brought me down, but so many people on this site have helped with strategy, technique, words of encouragement, and enthusiasm. It has been a vital part of this work, and it another reminder of how God mercifully calls us to community.
The Bible tells us to encourage one another. “Iron sharpening iron” I never thought that there would be so many helpful people on this site. This is truly a wonderful family of encouragement.
That's awesome TMG! I'm glad you're here with us and I am honored to memorize alongside you! I look forward to seeing you announce your memorization of Mark!
Thanks, Onfire247! I am literally working on 16:14-20. It is particularly difficult as I have been memorizing along with studying a commentary. The commentary disavows this latter part of Mark because it was not included in the vast majority of our earlier texts. When I began this work, I wasn't going to memorize beyond verse 8(earliest ending), but I can't help it. Note: the commentary doesn't suggest that those later verse (16:9-20) are not scripture or that they are not true, right, correct, etc., they simply suggest that these verses were added later likely by someone other than Mark.
Thanks for your concern. Nothing to worry about. I was just away on vacation with limited internet access. Plus, try as I might, I cannot do this website on the phone very well. But I am back home now so you'll see me around like usual. =D
The end of Mark is intriguing. I quite like the suggestion that Mark deliberately ended the narrative without a neat conclusion, because he says in Mark 1:1 that his book is ‘the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ’. And he couldn’t write the conclusion because the gospel is ongoing, even now. So it’s suggested that Mark ended with, ‘they said nothing to anyone for they were afraid’ as a way of challenging his readers ever afterwards that they (we) have a responsibility to continue the gospel message.
PeterP, I appreciate your thoughts. I also think Mark and Peter would. Along with some of the scholars, I think it is also helpful to note that Mark is very likely the first Gospel. With nothing to compare it to, it was likely understood that the empty tomb and risen Jesus, while being confusing, scary, and amazing, also was followed by the historical events in Acts. In other words, people understood in many ways the 'rest of the story' on some level. There are some other things that make the ending strange, but I am very cautious here. While I do agree with many that the longer ending doesn't seem to fit, I don't want to simply leave it out or ignore it.
Sorry, PeterP! I meant to further clarify to the point about Mark being the first gospel. Most scholars suggest that after Matthew, Luke, and John (which have more extensive post resurrection narrative) were written, Mark's ending felt more incomplete. Many believe that the additional verses were added to provide helpful clarity. They also tend to admit that even though there is a thematic reason to accept Mark's original ending, they do believe that it was incomplete. These two points combined with the further clarity of the other gospels led to these latter verses.
JDJDJD, I am glad that you are enjoying the early chapters of Mark. This exercise has been tremendous in terms of seeing things in the narrative that I never really understood or appreciated. Good news! (pun intended) It continues throughout the entire book.
I love the unpacking of the scripture, but my hesitance is much more simple. For me, faith is something that doesn't have to be proved for efficacy. I am humbled by the many ways God demonstrates Himself to us all the time, but I love Him and place my faith in Christ not because I have analyzed the facts, the narratives and signs, etc. and concluded that he is true and trustworthy. I have faith because a miracle has been done in my heart. He proves himself all the time, I just don't see that as a requirement. Doesn't Peter say that we believing/loving Jesus even though we have not seen him. And Hebrews (not sure who wrote it), "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
I love the question because I believe going into the Gospel of John with an honest desire to know who Jesus is, will no doubt reveal things quite unexpected to the new reader.
Great work, onfire247! I love your process and tremendously respect your tackling of John. And your prayer is interesting. I am not sure faith is ever proven... but I have always felt like John's Gospel is a blessing to the skeptic - and really challenges the reader to come to grips with who Jesus really is.
Saintman, I think you have many valid points. Also, once you reach 100%, you are always prompted to repeat the verse on review, which becomes very tedious when you are covering chapters. The greatest point, however, is that these percentages and such are arbitrary and not real reflectors of your knowledge. The only problem is I am OCD about it, and I want to get 100%.
Excellent. I do try and keep track of my work, but I can't seem to crack the way to increase percentage. Volume doesn't do it. I have been going over and over some verses I have lost percentage on, and it is slow going. Plus, it is frustrating to have one mistake drop you 20% and then four times the work after that only recovers 5%.
Having said all of that, I really can't complain. I have really benefited from the memorization and the management through this site.
FinalAsgard, I am working my way through the Gospel of Mark, and I am just finishing up Chapter 14 (72 verses) and it is very difficult. In many ways, it is probably easier than something like Psalm 119 because it is narrative story telling, but it is still a challenge. Right now, Ch 1-6 are rock solid. Ch 7-8 are pretty good, Ch 9-14 are in my head, but more prompting is needed.
Thanks, onfire247! Slowly but surely. 90 verses and still chapter 1 eludes me. Honestly, I feel like chapters are more of a milestone over number of verses. But it is nice to see the number increasing.
Thanks, onfire247! Slowly but surely. 90 verses and still chapter 1 eludes me. Honestly, I feel like chapters are more of a milestone over number of verses. But it is nice to see the number increasing.
yeah, some chapters are way too big. I'm looking at you, Psalm 119! That's going to be like a 6 month project to tackle memorizing. My largest chapter so far is John 1, 51 verses.
FinalAsgard, I am working my way through the Gospel of Mark, and I am just finishing up Chapter 14 (72 verses) and it is very difficult. In many ways, it is probably easier than something like Psalm 119 because it is narrative story telling, but it is still a challenge. Right now, Ch 1-6 are rock solid. Ch 7-8 are pretty good, Ch 9-14 are in my head, but more prompting is needed.
Very nice. I created a binder for my review schedule, so that I keep reviewing things more often than this site has me do it, and then it tapers off to weekly/monthly/quarterly, and ultimately in the end I'll have an annual review of things just so I don't forget them. That in addition to this site have been really good tools for helping me. I'm currently working through Philippians, and then will be going back to work on a few more chapters of John.
Excellent. I do try and keep track of my work, but I can't seem to crack the way to increase percentage. Volume doesn't do it. I have been going over and over some verses I have lost percentage on, and it is slow going. Plus, it is frustrating to have one mistake drop you 20% and then four times the work after that only recovers 5%.
Having said all of that, I really can't complain. I have really benefited from the memorization and the management through this site.
I found that the intervals of the final 30% are too large to be of any practical benefit, so now any verse that reaches 50-70%, I reset so it doesn't disappear into the long review periods. I figured out early on that I don't need a computer to tell me if I have 'fully learned' something, and it's better to have more control over what verses I want to review.
Saintman, I think you have many valid points. Also, once you reach 100%, you are always prompted to repeat the verse on review, which becomes very tedious when you are covering chapters. The greatest point, however, is that these percentages and such are arbitrary and not real reflectors of your knowledge. The only problem is I am OCD about it, and I want to get 100%.
It is hard to believe that we can have so much fun through chatting. This is truly an awesome site. We should make a group for the LearnScipture poets. What say ye?
Hi Jappel. I'm fine. Praise the Lord. Please continue to pray for me. I provoked my brother into anger the other day. Unfortunately I can't hold my tongue and I haven't been a good witness to any of my siblings. I really need all your prayers.
Thanks, Online247. I am at this really weird place where I am so close on a lot of verses. They sort of tumble as I test and retest. Still haven't completed the first chapter of Mark which is only 45 verses... just to give some perspective.
Thanks, Online247. I am at this really weird place where I am so close on a lot of verses. They sort of tumble as I test and retest. Still haven't completed the first chapter of Mark which is only 45 verses... just to give some perspective.