New discoveries are a rarity in biblical studies, and often they are quickly out as forgeries,

but very rarely authentic discoveries are made. The question is, how do scholars distinguish

between fact and fiction, especially when they only have access to photographs or copies

rather than the actual manuscripts in question? Is it possible for a text to pass

all authenticity tests and still be a clever forgery? Today, we're back with Dr. Morton-Smith

and the Secret Gospel of Mark. Stay tuned for all of that and so much more.

Welcome to misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman.

The only show, where a six-time New York Times bestselling author and world-renowned Bible scholar

uncovers the many fascinating, little-known facts about the New Testament, the historical Jesus, and the rise of Christianity.

I'm your host, Megan Lewis. Let's begin.

Without access to the actual copy of Clement of Alexandria's letter, Morton Smith verified the text as best as he could.

The results seem to show an authentic copy of an ancient text, but are these results too good to be true?

We're going to be finding out today.

But before we get into all of that, but how are you doing today?

Yeah, not too bad.

At that stage of life where no matter how well things are going, it's a troubling world.

We live in, sort of nationally, internationally and personally.

So, as you know, I mean, you hit this age where, like, you got the kids and you got the elders

and, like, a lot of people are having problems.

So even if you're doing fine, man, there's a lot going on in the world.

How about you?

Yes, good.

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