1 John 5:7-8 — "The Comma Johanneum"

Whether the Trinitarian formula in 1 John 5:7-8 ('the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one'), found mainly in late Latin manuscripts, is considered part of the original text.

Overall consensus49/100

New Apostolic Church

New Apostolic Church

Unique & Independent

Nuanced

Recognized as late addition; Trinitarian doctrine from other sources affirmed

The NAC adopts a nuanced position on 1 John 5:7-8 (the Comma Johanneum): the longer reading is absent from the earliest Greek manuscripts and is a Latin addition.

However, the NAC's affirmation of the Trinity does not depend on this verse. The doctrine of the Trinity is affirmed from Matthew 28:19, John 1:1, and other explicit passages. The Comma's absence does not threaten NAC Trinitarian theology.

Key Distinctions

Textual status:
later Latin addition
Trinitarian grounding:
Trinity affirmed elsewhere
Canonical status:
textual fact acknowledged

Scripture References

Sources

  • NAC Statement of Faith
  • NAC Statement of Faith