FABRICATIONS · TEXTUAL VARIANTS
Expanded Clause in Romans
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
The added phrase is absent from some early manuscripts, suggesting it was inserted to emphasize moral living. The NIV omits it, identifying it as a scribal addition meant to harmonize with Paul’s teachings. This shows scribes felt free to expand the text to clarify theology, raising questions about the Bible’s textual purity.
THE CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
The added phrase emphasizes the ethical implications of living by the Spirit, aligning with Paul’s teachings elsewhere. Likely introduced by scribes for clarity, it doesn’t create new theology but reinforces established Pauline themes.
THE ISLAMIC POSITION
Altering verses to emphasize doctrines suggests human tampering, undermining the Scripture’s integrity and trustworthiness. If Paul’s original text was sufficient, why add later conditions? Such expansions imply scribes shaped doctrine, raising doubts about the text’s originality and authenticity.
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Expanded Clause in Romans