The Authenticity Of John 7:53—8:11 -- By: Joel Madasu

Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 23:67 (Autumn 2019)
Article: The Authenticity Of John 7:53—8:11
Author: Joel Madasu


The Authenticity Of John 7:53—8:11

Joel Madasu

* Joel Madasu, M.A.B.S., Ph.D., founder and director, Baptist Heritage Ministries, India

Much talk and discussion is given to John 7:53–8:11, in regards to its authenticity. Many scholars argued if John wrote the passage originally, or if it was added later. Some Bible versions or translations included this passage in the Gospel; others clearly mentioned that this passage is not a part of the original, but still included it with the text preceding and following,1 and others have included the passage in the italics and small font.2 The passage certainly creates perplexity between the readers and as well as scholars in understanding its authenticity.3 On the other side, it is also difficult to argue that this passage was not the original writings of John, because of the logical conjunctions (και and δε), that the author used at the end of seventh chapter and at the beginning of the eighth chapter. The only reasonable way to treat this passage is by weighing the internal and external evidence, and also by weighing the manuscripts that included this pericope. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to identify if the passage is authentic or not, by examining the textual, grammatical, and syntactical evidence, and thus providing the solution to the perplexity of its authenticity.

The Setting Of The Passage

Understanding the setting of this passage is important prior to dealing thoroughly with it. John 7 indicates that Jesus went to the Festival of

Tabernacles, which is one of the major festivals in Judaism.4 Though the Lord mentioned that He was not going to the festival, He later went, because the Jews were seeking to kill him (John 7:2; 10). He then taught at the Festival (v. 14). The Jews that were there at that time, who heard his teachings, were amazed and were confused at who Jesus was. They were divided among themselves; they tried to kill Him, but his time was not yet come. Therefore, they could not do anything.

Later in the passage, the Jewish leaders showed their unbelief, and they questioned the Temple guards as to why they did not bring Jesus. However, they responded that they had not heard anyone who spoke like Him (vv. ...

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