John 8:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.

NIV: but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.

NASB: But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.

CSB: But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.

NLT: Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives,

KJV: Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.

NKJV: But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.

This verse begins the story of the adulterous woman, which seems to interrupt the flow of the prior passage. In fact, according to most scholars, this particular set of verses was probably not part of John's original work. Reading from John 7:52 directly to John 8:12 creates a single, uninterrupted flow of the story. Both the tone, content, and timing of this narration make it all but certain that this incident was not, in fact, meant to be included in this exact spot. However, based on other evidence, and its inclusion in various places in other manuscripts, the same scholars mentioned previously also agree that this is a true, legitimate story from the life of Jesus.

In other words, the tale of the adulterous woman is almost certainly not original to the gospel of John; however, it is a valid example of Jesus' life and teaching.

John 7:53—8:11 is one of the most famous stories of the New Testament. However, scholars do not believe it was originally found in this particular place in Scripture. The flow of the gospel of John seems interrupted by the story. Also, in ancient manuscripts, these verses are located in various places. This leads to the consensus that it is a true story, but not part of John's original narrative of the Festival of Booths in chapters 7 and 8. Jesus' response to a trap sprung by the Pharisees is masterful. Though He alone has the moral authority to execute the woman for her sin, Jesus instead chooses forgiveness. This highlights a major concept of Christian ethics: just because one has the power to do something does not mean it's the best option.

John chapter 8 includes the story of the adulterous woman, a well-known but controversial passage. Most scholars believe this story is authentic, but not originally found in this exact spot in Scripture. This chapter continues Jesus' preaching during the Feast of Booths, where He once again comes into conflict with local religious leaders. Here, Christ will make His second ''I AM'' statement, using the analogy of light, which is a common theme in Hebrew theology. This conversation will become more and more heated. Eventually, Jesus' opponents are enraged enough to attempt killing Him right then and there.

Jesus is attending the Feast of Booths in Jerusalem, and has once again come into conflict with the local religious authorities. In the previous chapter, Jesus referred to Himself as a source of living water, playing off of the festivals' ritual pouring of water in the temple. In this chapter, Jesus will use the imagery of lights, also related to festival traditions. This chapter demonstrates Jesus' willingness to be direct, even aggressive, with His critics. The next few chapters will complete Jesus' public ministry, as He prepares for His impending death.

The gospel of John was written by the disciple John, decades later than the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The author assumes that a reader is already familiar with the content of these other works. So, John presents a different perspective, with a greater emphasis on meaning. John uses seven miracles—which he calls “signs”—in order to prove that Jesus is, in fact, God incarnate. Some of the most well-known verses in all of the Bible are found here. None is more famous than the one-sentence summary of the gospel found in John 3:16.

Accessed 4/30/2024 9:17:23 AM