Christianity - A Journey from Facts to Fiction — Page 101
Revival or Resurrection? 101 such an important event leaves one wondering as to why. The only two synoptic Gospels which mention the Ascension are Mark (Mark16:19) and Luke (Luke 24:51). However, recent scientific and scholarly investigations have proved that the ac- counts contained in both these Gospels are later interpolations. These verses were non-existent in the original texts. Codex Sinaiticus dates from the 4th century and remains the oldest near complete text of the Old and New Testament *. It stands witness to the fact that the said verses in both Mark and Luke were not included in the authentic original versions, but were certainly added by some scribe on his own initiative much later. In the Codex Sinaiticus the Gospel of Mark ends at chapter 16 verse 8. This fact is now acknowledged in some modern Bible editions as well •. Also, the Gospel of Luke (24: 15) in Codex Sinaiticus, does not contain the words ‘taken up into heaven. ’ According to the textual critic C. S. C. Williams, if these omis- sions in the Codex Sinaiticus are correct, there is no reference at all to the Ascension in the original text of the Gospels. ♦ Even Jehovah’s Witnesses, who are some of the most vehement proponents of Jesus’ as ‘Sonship’ and his ascent to God the Father, * Jesus the Evidence by Ian Wilson (1984), p 18. • The Holy Bible, New International Version (1984) by International Bible Society, p 1024. ♦ The Secrets of Mount Sinai, the Story of Finding the World's Oldest Bible Codex Sinaiticus, by James Bently, p. 131.