FABRICATIONS · ADDED PHRASES
“For Many Are Called...” Added
So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
Some manuscripts add the phrase "many are called, but few are chosen" to , absent in earlier texts. This reflects scribes inserting familiar teachings to align with other passages. Such modifications reveal that even Jesus' sayings were subject to textual shaping, challenging claims of an unaltered, preserved scripture. The NIV and ESV bibles omit this phrase.
THE CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
This phrase is found elsewhere in Matthew, so adding it here underlines a key spiritual lesson. Scribes did not invent theology but reiterated a central biblical theme. It helps readers recognize patterns in Jesus’ teaching.
THE ISLAMIC POSITION
If Jesus did not originally say these words at this point, their later addition represents scribal freedom to rearrange "the words of God". Such editorial liberty challenges the assumption that each Gospel precisely records Jesus’ words as originally spoken. If God's words are truly flawless, why would scribes feel the need to edit, clarify, or harmonize texts?
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“For Many Are Called...” Added