Why We Are Skipping John 7:53–8:11 in Our Gospel of John Series

As we continue our series through John’s Gospel, you will notice next Sunday that we are moving directly from John 7:52 to John 8:12. Some of you might wonder: Why are we skipping the well-known story of the woman caught in adultery?

The short answer is this: John 7:53–8:11 was almost certainly not part of the original Gospel of John.

1. What the Manuscripts Show

This passage is absent from the oldest and most reliable Greek manuscripts of John. When it does appear in later manuscripts, it is often found in different locations—sometimes after John 7:36, sometimes after John 21, and even in Luke’s Gospel. That movement suggests it was not originally part of John’s writing.

2. What This Means for Us

Because we believe Scripture is inspired in its original writings, we want to be faithful in preaching only what we are confident God has given us through John. To treat this passage as though it unquestionably belongs here would not be honest with the evidence.

3. Should We Ignore the Passage?

Not at all. Christians throughout history have loved this story because it is consistent with what we know of Jesus—His mercy, His wisdom, His power to forgive sin. The account may well reflect a true event from Jesus’ life, preserved in early church memory. But it does not carry the same level of certainty and authority as the rest of John’s Gospel.

4. How We Will Handle It

Rather than preaching it as part of John, we are acknowledging the passage, explaining why we are not treating it as inspired Scripture, and then continuing with the flow of John’s argument in chapter 8. At another time, we may reflect on this story devotionally as a window into Jesus’ character—but not as a sure part of John’s text.

This decision has been made by Pastor Nino together with the other men serving in the leadership of our church. If you have further questions or would like to talk more about this, we would be glad to continue the conversation with you.

In Christ,

Knox Leadership Team