McCarthy, James G. The Gospel According to Rome. Eugene, Or.: Harvest House, 1995. 196.
Upon seeing Mary, the angel Gabriel says, “Mary, full of grace.” (Lk. 1:28; Douay-Rheims). Roman Catholic authorities claim that this supports the notion that Mary was sinless. Is this the case?
Catholic expert James McCarthy argues, “The angel, however, never said that Mary was ‘full of grace’ (Luke 1:28 Douay-Rheims). This Roman Catholic translation is based on the Latin texts. Translations from the original Greek read ‘Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you’ (Luke 1:28). God favored Mary by choosing her to bear His Son, not by preserving her from Adam’s sin. God blessed Mary ‘among women’ (Luke 1:28 KJV), not above women.”
McCarthy, James G. The Gospel According to Rome. Eugene, Or.: Harvest House, 1995. 196.
James earned a Master’s degree in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, graduating magna cum laude. He is the founder of Evidence Unseen and the author of several books. James enjoys serving as a pastor at Dwell Community Church in Columbus, Ohio, where he lives with his wife and their two sons.