Claims of Jesus' wife need further study, says Harvard

Harvard University says it hasn't yet committed to publishing research that claims a fourth-century piece of papyrus contains writing that proves some early Christians believed Jesus had a wife.

That's even though its divinity school touted the research during a publicity blitz this week.

The editor of the Harvard Theological Review said Friday the journal is awaiting further study of the papyrus fragment, which includes text in which Jesus uses the words "my wife." The journal is awaiting results of scientific dating tests and reports from experts on Coptic papyrus and grammar.

Divinity school professor Karen King announced Tuesday the papyrus fragment was the only existing ancient text in which Jesus explicitly talks of having a wife. Scholars have questioned its authenticity. But King says two experts have determined it very likely is authentic.