THE ADULTERESS

Scripture reference:  John 8:3–11 Bible Search Tool

The situation. One day some scribes and Pharisees brought to Jesus a woman who had been caught in adultery, “in the very act” (John 8:4). They quoted Moses’ Law, which called for stoning, and asked Jesus, “ ‘But what do You say?’ ”

Several things make this approach to Jesus unusual:

•     The woman was caught “in the very act.” Where was the man who was also subject to stoning?

•     Where would a person go to catch someone “in the very act”? How would the Pharisees, noted for their claim to holiness, have known where to go?

•     While Mosaic Law prescribed stoning for adultery, this penalty was not imposed in the first century. Rabbinic courts rigorously avoided imposing the death penalty.

•     A panel of rabbis, not an individual, would deal with such a case. Besides, the scribes and Pharisees did not recognize Jesus’ authority. Continue Reading Here