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

Presbyterian Church in America acknowledges that John 7:53–8:11 is not found in the earliest Greek manuscripts and is likely a later addition to John's Gospel. However, the PCA does not formally exclude the passage or deem it unscriptural. The theological content — Jesus' compassion for sinners, his authority to forgive, his call to repentance without condemnation — is entirely consistent with the Gospel and PCA theology.

Many PCA pastors and congregations continue to include this passage in Scripture reading and teaching on grace and forgiveness. The PCA's approach reflects both scholarly honesty about textual matters and pastoral sensitivity to the spiritual edification the passage provides. It is not deemed necessary to reject the passage based on manuscript evidence alone.

The PCA's scholarly tradition engages with historical-critical methods while maintaining that Scripture is the Word of God. On disputed passages like John 7:53-8:11, the denomination allows for a degree of pastoral freedom while respecting scholarly awareness of the textual issues. The passage does not form the basis of any essential PCA doctrine.