Augustine’s Role

Augustine’s role was crucial in re-establishing the passage’s authenticity and integrity. Known for his theological precision and commitment to the authority of Scripture, Augustine recognized that the 'pericope adulterae' was not a moral liability—it was a theological necessity. This was obvious inspiration from God.

Through God, A champion of the Word
In his broader writings, Augustine consistently affirms that the Word of God must be preserved intact, even when it challenges social conventions or human pride. In this case, he recognized that Jesus’ act of mercy did not undermine justice, but rather elevated it. The forgiveness of the adulterous woman came with a command to sin no more, thus reinforcing the call to repentance and holiness.

Augustine’s defense helped secure the passage’s continued inclusion in the Latin Vulgate (later Byzantine), the standard Bible of the Western Church for over a millennium. His stance provided theological and moral justification for what others feared to embrace. His actions sparked a chain of events that would lead to the exposure and chastisement of the scribes.

The Domino Effect: Luke 23:34 and Other Re-inclusions
The restoration of John 7:53–8:11 did not happen in isolation. It served as a precedent and catalyst for the defense and re-inclusion of other contested passages, including Luke 23:34, where Jesus, hanging on the cross, says:

“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”

Another Mercy Suppressed
This verse, too, has a complicated textual history. It is omitted from several important early manuscripts, including 'Papyrus 75' and 'Codex Vaticanus'. Yet, it appears in the vast majority of later Greek manuscripts and was widely cited by early Catholics such as Irenaeus and Eusebius.

Scholars speculate that some scribes may have omitted the verse due to theological discomfort. The idea that Jesus would plead forgiveness for those who crucified Him—including Roman soldiers and Jewish leaders—was considered "too radical" for some. In a time when persecution was still fresh, such mercy may have seemed unpalatable.

A Pattern of Suppression
When viewed alongside the attempted omission of John 7:53–8:11, a pattern emerges: passages that elevate Christ’s radical grace, forgiveness, and mercy were targeted. They were deemed too lenient or dangerous by human standards. This is a chilling reminder of how personal bias and institutional caution can attempt to override divine intent.

Fortunately, just as with the 'pericope adulterae', faithful scholars and theologians resisted these efforts. The verses found their way back into the main body of Scripture through the witness of the early Church, the insistence of theologians like Augustine, and the weight of manuscript tradition.

The Integrity of the Word
The Providence of Preservation
The Bible, despite human interference, has remained remarkably intact over the centuries. The attempted excision of John 7:53–8:11 and Luke 23:34 was ultimately thwarted not by chance, but by the providence of God. Jesus Himself declared:

“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away”

(Matthew 24:35).

Though human scribes may err, God's Word is not so fragile as to be lost to history. The preservation of contested passages, despite aggressive attempts to remove them, is evidence of this divine promise in action.

Lessons for Today
The history of these attempted changes offers sobering lessons:

Doctrine must not be dictated by preference. The temptation to alter or avoid Scripture that offends modern sensibilities still exists. But we must submit ourselves to the authority of the full counsel of God.

Textual criticism must be conducted in humility. While scholarship is vital, we must guard against the arrogance of treating ancient witnesses with disdain or filtering the Word through human ideologies.

Theological vigilance is necessary. Just as Augustine stood in defense of truth, so must believers today contend for the integrity of Scripture in a culture increasingly hostile to biblical authority.

The Word Endures
The historical attempt to change the Word of God by the scribes of the Catholic faith — whether by omission, revision, or reinterpretation — has always resulted in a failed misadventure. The Wisdom of God always triumphs' false narratives and selfish motivation. John 7:53–8:11 and Luke 23:34 are not merely stories of God's mercy; they are evidence that God will not allow His Word to be erased or altered. Even amongst wolves, God's power still shows.

The scribes may think the work of their hands permits their judgement, but the voice of God endures in truth and stands against all who attempts to change it. As Psalm 119:89 declares:

“Forever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.”

In defending the Word, Augustine was not simply preserving a a crucial part of the Bible — he was directly influenced by God. His courage, which no doubt inspired by God, ensured that generations would receive Christ’s then words to the sinner to repent and turn from their ways.

This testimony should be a reminder to us all; Though Men may try to silence the truth, the Word of God cannot, and will not be broken!