1 John 5:7-8 — "The Comma Johanneum"

Disciples scholarship recognizes the textual status of the Comma while affirming Trinitarian Christianity. The longer reading of 1 John 5:7–8 ('the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost...and these three are one') is known to be a later interpolation, not original to John's epistles. Disciples affirm the Trinitarian doctrine but do not rely on the Comma as proof-text, instead grounding Trinitarian belief in earlier and more reliable passages throughout the New Testament.

The Disciples of Christ exemplify a tradition that embraces historical-critical biblical scholarship without abandoning core Christian convictions. While the Comma Johanneum is not original, the doctrine of the Trinity itself is foundational to Christian faith. Disciples point to Matthew 28:19, 1 Corinthians 13:13, and other passages as stronger warrant for Trinitarian theology. This approach honors both the integrity of the biblical text and the Church's commitment to orthodox Christianity.