God's Word

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

This week’s sermon text (John 7:53-8:11), known as the Pericope Adulterae, has been the subject of much scholarly debate. The controversy lies in whether or not the text belongs in the Bible. The King James Version includes the text; however, many modern translations, including the NIV and ESV, treat the text as a footnote or a bracket. So, the question remains, Should we read and preach from this text?

One group of scholars and preachers, including Zane Hodges and R. C. Sproul, treat the text as Scripture and preach without reservation. Others, including D. A. Carson and John Piper, do not believe the text belongs in the bible. 

How should we treat the text? 

I concur that the text was probably not in this section of the original text; however, there is little reason to doubt that the event occurred. I believe that the text is authentic and is nothing less than the word of God.

Since none of the authentic autographs exist, we will continue to discover text closer to the source, possibly varying from our copies. It is important to note that the occasional difference found and debated does not put our theological doctrine in doubt, and we should have confidence in our English bible as the Word of God.