1 John 5:7-8 — "The Comma Johanneum"

The Wesleyan Church, informed by modern biblical scholarship, does not include the longer reading of 1 John 5:7 (the Comma Johanneum) as part of the authentic biblical text. This passage is absent from all early Greek manuscripts, appears only in later Western Latin texts, and is recognized as a scribal addition.

While the Wesleyan Quadrilateral includes Tradition as a resource, the Quadrilateral gives priority to Scripture, and Scripture must be the authentic, reliable text. The Comma Johanneum, despite its long history in Western Christianity, is not part of the authentic 1 John. Modern Bibles (ESV, NIV, NRSV, NASB) all exclude or bracket this passage, reflecting scholarly consensus.

The Wesleyans affirm Trinitarian doctrine based on undisputed scriptural texts. The authentic 1 John 5:6-9 (without the Comma) provides sufficient testimony to the Spirit's witness and validation of Christ's incarnation. The doctrine of the Trinity is clearly established in other biblical passages.