John 7:53–8:11 — "The Woman Caught in Adultery"

Disciples recognize the textual issues while valuing the passage's teaching on mercy and forgiveness. While scholars note its absence from the earliest manuscripts, Disciples include John 7:53–8:11 in their biblical tradition. The passage expresses the Gospel's core message of grace extended even to those caught in sin, which is central to Disciples' theology and mission. Though historically added to John's Gospel, the pericope conveys genuine Christian truth about Christ's redemptive love.

The Disciples of Christ maintain a both/and approach: accepting the findings of historical-critical scholarship while affirming the spiritual authority of Scripture within the Church's life. The passage is read and taught as Scripture, and its themes of repentance and restoration resonate with Disciples' commitment to reconciliation and renewal. This demonstrates the Disciples' conviction that textual origins and current canonical status need not be disconnected—a text can be historically late yet spiritually authentic.