Discrepancies in the New Testament Books (TMF:344)

Thursday, February 18, 2016
Peace to Live By: Discrepancies in the New Testament Books (TMF:344) - Daniel Litton
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       I want to take a moment and quickly discuss some discrepancies within the 27 New Testament books. There is some debate today among theologians as to whether certain passages of Scripture should be considered part of the New Testament canon. Perhaps of the two most famous examples are John chapter 8, involving the woman caught in adultery, and Mark chapter 16, involving Jesus' instructions to the 11 Apostles. Some Bibles will have these passages bracketed or starred as doubtful. For John chapter 8, the earliest manuscripts are said not to include this passage. As for Mark 16, some of the early manuscripts did not include this passage. I think part of the debate stems in not only the manuscript discrepancies, but some some feel there are doctrinal problems within these passages. Putting aside either of these issues, I believe that these passages should be included in the New Testament simply because God has included them for the past 1600 years at least. God is the one who can persuade the human heart, and these passage have stayed part of God's Word. He could have easily has them removed a long time ago if he had wanted to.