Introduction to New Testament Textual Criticism

Presenter: Matt Baker

Overview

• Textual Criticism: A scholarly process used to determine the original wording of ancient texts, focusing on the New Testament in this context. It does not entail being critical in a negative way.
• Original Copies: No original copies of any New Testament book exist; only copies of copies remain.
• Comparing Greek Copies: Variations exist among several Greek copies of the New Testament, leading to the need for textual criticism to determine accuracy.

Importance

• Significance: Helps in understanding the original meaning and provides context for most English Bible translations.
• Available Resources: A new chart created by Stephen Nelson is available through CrossBible.com for understanding textual criticism.

Key Concepts

1. Manuscript Traditions: Existing manuscripts belong to different textual traditions (Byzantine, Alexandrian, Western), each associated with specific locations in early Christianity.

   • Byzantine (Red): Linked with Constantinople.
   • Alexandrian (Blue): Linked with Alexandria.
   • Western (Green): Associated with Rome.

2. Manuscript Types

   • Papyrus Fragments (P-104): Early examples include small fragments from Matthew 21.
   • Codices:
     • Western Tradition: Codex Bezae, Codex Claromontanus
     • Byzantine Tradition: Codex Alexandrinus
     • Alexandrian Type: Papyri 46 and 75, Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Vaticanus

Textual Variants

• Byzantine Tradition: Known for more paraphrasing, generally longer text versions but contains some omissions.
• Western Tradition: Paraphrased texts to improve readability; some omissions and expansions observed.
• Latin Vulgate: Translated by Saint Jerome; many early Western manuscripts exist in Old Latin tradition.

Identification and Importance

• Text-Types: Differences in textual families, including early, Byzantine, Western, and Alexandrian traditions.
• Importance for Scholars: Understanding textual criticism is crucial for a deep comprehension of the Bible.
• Reliability: Older, shorter, and more difficult texts are often considered closer to the original.
• Modern Use: Shift from Textus Receptus to "eclectic" critical editions (e.g., ESV, NRSV, NIV) reflecting a more accurate version based on all available manuscripts.

Notable Manuscripts & Editions

• Papyri: P-46, P-75 from around 200 AD (Alexandrian text-type)
• Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus: 4th century (Alexandrian)
• Western Text Oldest Fragments: P-104 from the 2nd century
• Codex Bezae & Codex Claromontanus: Early complete Greek manuscripts of Western tradition
• Vulgate: Latin translation by St. Jerome in the 4th century; main Bible for English-speaking Catholics up to the late 19th century
• Nova Vulgata: Official Bible of the Greek Orthodox Church

Example of Textual Variant

• Mark 16: Differences in verses exist between manuscripts; some conclude with verse 8, others include 12 more verses.
• 1 John 5:7, 8: Notable early Greek manuscripts don't include "and the three are one," which appears in later versions.

Resources

• CrossBible.com: For obtaining the chart and further resources on textual criticism.

Closing

Understanding New Testament textual criticism helps both Christians and others appreciate the complexities and historical significance of the New Testament scriptures. Enhancing accuracy and comprehension of these texts remains a scholarly pursuit that offers valuable insights into historical Christianity.