The story of the woman caught in adultery, along with the question of whether or not it was part of the original gospel of John, presents an interesting question to a follower of Christ, much less a preacher. If this story is not found in the earliest and best ancient manuscripts but remains as part of the text in our English translations of the Bible, then how does that impact our understanding of inspiration and the canon of Scripture? And even if this story “sounds like Jesus,” or perhaps especially because it does, how do we hear the Word of the Lord through it?
The following sermon was preached on Sunday morning, August 25, 2024 at the First Baptist Church of Benbrook.
Summary
As we delve into the story of the woman caught in adultery from John 8, we face a significant challenge: the authenticity of this passage as part of the original Gospel of John. The earliest manuscripts do not include this story, and many ancient witnesses and early church fathers do not reference it. Despite this, the story has been included in many translations due to its consistency with the character of Jesus and its presence in influential texts like the Latin Vulgate and the King James Bible.
The process of how the Bible came to be, including the development of the canon, is crucial to understanding why this passage is debated. The early church used criteria such as apostolic authorship, orthodoxy, and usage in worship to determine what was considered sacred Scripture. Textual criticism, which compares thousands of manuscripts, helps us get as close as possible to the original texts.
The story itself, while likely not part of the original Gospel of John, is consistent with the character of Jesus as depicted in the canonical Gospels. Jesus’ response to the woman and her accusers—”Let him who is without sin cast the first stone”—and His subsequent forgiveness of the woman while instructing her to “sin no more” aligns with His teachings and actions elsewhere in Scripture.
This brings us to the importance of how we handle Scripture. The doctrine of the inspiration of Scripture is foundational to our faith. We must approach the Bible with reverence, understanding its divine inspiration and the role of the Holy Spirit in its preservation and interpretation. Misusing Scripture for malicious purposes, as the religious leaders did in this story, is a grave error that we must avoid.
Ultimately, the story serves as an illustration of the grace and truth of Jesus. While it may not be canonical, it echoes the consistent message of the Gospel: there is no condemnation for those in Christ, but this freedom comes with the call to live a life of sanctification and righteousness.