In this article we examine one of the two most substantial textual variants in the New Testament which have come under fire with the rise of modern textual criticism.

That passage is known by the Latin phrase Pericope Adulterae (PA), or as the woman taken in adultery passage. Like Mark 16.9–20, it numbers some twelve precious verses in God’s Word.

This memorable and beloved account of Christ’s ministry to the adulterous woman has been held in the highest esteem by believers across many generations, and yet some modern Bibles now cast doubt on its authenticity or even suggest it be removed from the text of Scripture altogether.

Over against these trends, we maintain that the authenticity of this passage can be confidently defended and affirmed as Holy Scripture…