The Ending of Mark's Gospel: A Forensic Re-reading That Challenges Assumptions by Peter E. Lewis

Book Review

The Ending of Mark's Gospel

A Forensic Re-reading That Challenges Assumptions

The Ending of Mark’s Gospel: The Key to Understanding the Gospels and Christianity
by Dr Peter E. Lewis — Paperback, 136 pages (2020, 2nd ed.)

Lewis is convinced that the outer leaf of the codex was removed by a faction of early Christians who objected to what Mark wrote in the original beginning and ending.

Why this short book matters

Mark’s Gospel has long been at the centre of debate over its beginning and ending. In The Ending of Mark’s Gospel, Dr Peter E. Lewis brings careful philological detective work to bear on the text and argues that an outer leaf of the original codex was intentionally removed by an early Christian faction. The result is a reconstruction that has implications for how we read Mark and how we understand the formation of the canonical gospels.

Dr Paul Inglis (Uc Forum) wrote that it "takes theology and contemporary Jesus studies into a new era of thinking."

Emeritus Professor Robert Crotty of the University of South Australia wrote that it is a "very attractive book, both for specialist and general enquirer."

Why readers of progressive Christianity will find it compelling

If your interest is fresh thinking about the historical Jesus, early Christian communities, or how theological disputes shaped the biblical texts we have today, Peter Lewis’s careful argument is both accessible and thought-provoking. It blends close textual study with broader theological consequences, making it useful for both specialists and curious general readers.

Buy / find it

The book is available from major sellers. If you’d like a review copy or a short interview with the author, he’s kindly offered me a copy on Sunday.

Quick details:

• Paperback, 136 pages (2nd ed.)
• Publisher: Peter Lewis (2020)
• ISBN-13: 978-1876697228

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Dr. Peter Lewis’s The Ending of Mark's Gospel explores the Gospel’s controversial conclusion arguing that its abrupt ending is key to understanding Christian theology. Lewis presents a thoughtful analysis of how this unresolved conclusion enriches our grasp of the Gospels and early Christian beliefs. His work is a valuable read for those interested in biblical studies and the nuances of Christian doctrine.

About the Author

Peter Lewis is an independent Australian scholar with postgraduate qualifications in biblical studies. His professional background is medical — he is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and has served in developing countries. He has written widely on coins and the history of Christianity and is currently a Research Associate for the Centre for Coins, Culture and Religious History.

Why You Should Read This Book

Whether you’re a scholar, a student, or simply curious, this concise forensic study promises to expand your understanding and spark new conversations.

About the book

Dr Peter E. Lewis — The Ending of Mark’s Gospel (2020). A short, forensic study arguing for a reconstructed original ending and its theological consequences. Recommended for readers of progressive Christianity, textual criticism, and gospel studies.

Paperback — 136 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1876697228

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. I will always strive to give an independent, honest response to the book’s arguments.