What Do We Know About the History of the Text of the Greek New Testament?

We have textual traditions, or families of texts, which grew up in a certain region. For example, we have the Alexandrian text-type, which Westcott and Hort called the Neutral text that came from Egypt. Then, there is the Western text-type, which came from Italy and Gaul as well as North Africa and elsewhere. There was also the Caesarean text-type, which came from Caesarea and is characterized by a mixture of Western and Alexandrian readings. The Byzantine text-type, also called the Majority Text, came from Constantinople (i.e., Byzantium).

May 23, 2018 1

Glossary of Technical Terms for New Testament Textual Criticism

Alexandrian Text: the Greek text was produced in Alexandria, Egypt, where there was a high degree of scholarship due to the famous library and museum. This was undoubtedly responsible in large part for the more meticulous care taken in the copying of manuscripts. The chief manuscripts representing the Alexandrian text are Codex Vaticanus, also designated... Continue Reading →

January 17, 2018 5

Is the New Testament Reliable? No, Says Agnostic New Testament Textual Scholar Dr. Bart D. Ehrman

Dr. Bart Ehrman challenges the reliability of the New Testament, sparking a robust debate on its historical authenticity.

November 11, 2017 0

How Did the Authors and Their Scribes Make the New Testament Books?

As Luke, Paul, Peter, Matthew, James, or Jude handed their authorized text off to be copied by others, i.e., published, what would it have looked like? What is the process that the New Testament writers would have followed to get their book ready to be published, that is copied by others? Once they were ready for publication, how would they be copied throughout the centuries, up until the time of the printing press of 1455 C.E.? Why was it so hard to be a secretary in the first century C.E.? How was such work done? What writing materials were then in use? How were the NT books made?

May 10, 2017 1

Discovering the Mindset of Agnostic, Bart D. Ehrman

Dive into the mindset of agnostic scholar Bart D. Ehrman for insights.

May 9, 2017 0

Why Is the Reign of the King James Version Over?

Exactly why are we making other translations beyond the King James Version of 1611? The King James Version has been the primary translation of the Christian community for 400 years (1611-2011). There is no doubt that this Bible alone has affected the lives of hundreds of millions and has influenced the principles of Bible translation for the past four centuries. So, why would we ever need another Bible other than the King James Version?

March 9, 2017 7