Canonical; content affirmed though manuscript origin unclear
WELS receives John 7:53-8:11 as part of the biblical canon and as canonical Scripture for the church, even while acknowledging that the passage does not appear in the earliest Greek manuscripts and is likely a later addition. WELS Bibles include the passage with textual notation. The story of Jesus's mercy toward the adulterous woman is valued in WELS teaching as an authentic expression of the Gospel's message of grace and forgiveness.
WELS operational canon includes John 7:53-8:11 as Scripture. The passage is used in catechesis and preaching to illustrate Jesus's approach to sinners and the reality of transformation through repentance and grace. While textually-aware, WELS treats the passage as authoritative for faith and practice.
Key Distinctions
- Textual status:
- aware of manuscript evidence, noted in Bibles
- Canonical status:
- included in operational biblical canon
- Pastoral value:
Scripture References
Sources
- WELS biblical canon standards
- Book of Concord on biblical authority
- WELS catechesis and hymnody