Many things are included in Bibles that are not part of “the Bible.” Old photographs, notes from loved ones, flattened leaves, and gum wrappers are obvious examples. They have sentimental value, but they are not part of the text.

Footnotes, cross references, and explanatory notes are printed in many Bibles, but they are not part of “the Bible.” For example, the footnotes in a study Bible reflect the interpretation of some editor or writer.  The sports stories in Bibles given to athletes are intended to show that famous people study the Bible, but they are not part of “the Bible”. Even the section headings in many Bibles and the chapters and the verse numbers are added for convenience rather than appearing in the original texts.

All of this may be obvious, but I think is worth pointing out. All of these additions are to help with understanding, but they have to be acknowledged as interpretation.

Why mention this on this particular day? Because in many translations, near the end of John 7, we find this little note:

((The earliest and most reliable manuscripts and other ancient witnesses do not have John 7:53-8:11.))

And then we find a familiar story, one that includes the phrase, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”

Here’s the problem.

This story doesn’t show up in manuscripts until mid 300 AD. Most scholars, including conservative scholars, say that it shouldn’t be included in the text of “the Bible.” Many don’t even include it in their commentary.

I love the story. It “preaches well.” It offers great speculation opportunities for storytellers. (What did Jesus write in the sand? What happened to the guy.) But we can’t confuse explaining the text with the text itself.

Not with integrity.