How do we handle this?
Depending on what version of the Bible you have, go and look at Acts 8:37. For some translations this verse of Scripture is in brackets. For other translations we go directly from Acts 8:36 to verse 38, and they add an asterisk with a footnote. In any case we can see that this verse is special.
If you look at the text it will most likely direct you to a note. This note will inform you that this verse might not be part of the original text. Uh Oh… What do we do with this verse then? How do we handle this? Does this mean that the entire Bible isn’t inspired by God then? Do I now have to say I believe this book cover to cover, except verses ________.
I believe it is really important how we handle this. First it is important to understand that most likely it is not inspired by God, and was added at a later time by someone. We cannot say this with certainty though. The closer we are to the originals, the more weight that they carry as far as Truth is concerned. The earliest manuscripts don’t contain this verse, but the later do. This leads scholars to believe that it isn’t part of the original, and therefore, not directly from God himself. For this reason, the publishers of the Bible have included footnotes, or even placed the entire verse in a footnote.
I believe that this verse actually adds to the authenticity of our Bible, and doesn’t take away. Because the publishers make this known, I believe it helps us understand the sureness with which the rest of the Biblical text is written. The publishers aren’t afraid to say they are unsure about this verse. They don’t hide behind a false idea of truth. They aren’t trying to prove that the Bible is true by hiding things that would go against this idea. They prove that the Bible is true by also exposing those things which could come against.
Based upon how the publishers have chosen to expose this verse, and their uncertainty of it, they still allow me to say I believe that this book is the inspired Word of God. I believe that God has spoken to us, and revealed Himself through His perfect Word.
PS: Look at Mark 16…