Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? — they cite the Law: Leviticus 20:10 (and Deuteronomy 22:22) prescribe death for adultery. 'What sayest thou?' puts Jesus in the position of either affirming the harsh penalty (which might alienate the crowd) or refusing it (which might be seen as rejecting the Law). The trap is skillfully set: whatever Jesus says will appear to be either cruel legalism or antinomianism.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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