by the grace of Christ: There is a textual problem involving the phrase by the grace of Christ. In the Greek manuscripts we find four different readings:
NTTC GALATIANS 1:6: “grace of Christ” or “grace”?
Can Our Bible Translations Be Trusted?
Explore the reliability of modern translations: are they faithful to the original Scriptures? Discover the truth behind the texts.
Who Was Desiderius Erasmus and What Is the Textus Receptus?
Erasmus’ Greek New Testament and the Textus Receptus shaped the Reformation but were based on late manuscripts, unlike today’s earliest witnesses.
NTTC MATTHEW 4:17: Repent, for the kingdom of heavens has drawn near
The longer reading is preferred if there is clear reason(s) internally as to why the scribe omitted a word or phrase, like difficulties (perceived contradictions) or awkwardness. For example, a scribe may willfully remove or alter a verse that is repeating one of the previous verses.
NTTC LUKE 23:34: “[[But Jesus was saying, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’]]
What is the meaning of Luke 23:34, and why does it not appear in the Updated American Standard Version (UASV) of the Holy Scriptures? Yet, it is found in the English Standard Version, the Christian Standard Bible, and the New American Standard Bible 1995 but within single square brackets in the NASB2020 and within double square brackets in the Lexham English Bible. Isn't part of the text spurious?
NTTC MATTHEW 4:12: Now when he [Jesus] heard that John had been arrested …
Manuscripts are to be weighed not counted. Certain families of manuscripts are more trustworthy (e.g. Alexandrian over Byzantine, Western, or Caesarean). In addition, certain manuscripts within a family are more faithful than others (e.g. P66 P75 01 03)
NTTC MATTHEW 3:16a: the heavens were opened
The shorter reading is generally preferred if the change is intended. This is a reflection of scribal tendency, as a scribe is far more likely in his efforts at clarification, willfully to make an addition to a text. Very rarely will a scribe intentionally add to his text by mistake.
How Much Can Christians Benefit From Knowing About New Testament Textual Studies and Modern Bible Translations?
What is the benefit of all Churchgoers knowing about textual criticism? How can the English Bible reader benefit from an understanding of textual criticism? There truly has been a renewed interest in the field of textual criticism, which had lain relatively dormant for several decades. What has contributed to this renewed interest?
HOW THE BIBLE SURVIVED Careless and Even Deceitful Bible Copyists?
Discover how the ancient texts of Scripture have been preserved despite challenges from copyists.
CODEX SINAITICUS: End of Mark’s Gospel
Codex Sinaiticus (01, א) alone has a complete text of the New Testament and portions of the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures known as the Septuagint. It is a vellum manuscript written in Greek dating to c. 330–360 C.E. The Codex Sinaiticus Project has described the Sinaiticus as “one of the most important books in the world.”[1] F.... Continue Reading →
