T. E. Boomershine and G. L. Bartholomew, "The Narrative Technique of Mark 16:8." JBL 100 (1981): 213-223.

T.E.B. and G.L.B. contend that 16.8 is the original ending of the gospel based on a careful survey of narrative techniques throughout the work. The style of 16:8 is distinctively Markan and is consistent with the style in which the evangelist composed many other stories in his Gospel. The final two-word sentence, ephobounto gar, is not "problematic" as has been claimed; but, rather, represents the climactic use of a narrative technique applied throughout the Gospel.