Printing and Modern Bibles — Manuscript Discoveries

New Testament Papyri Extend the Early Evidence

Late nineteenth-twentieth centuries

Discoveries in Egypt brought to light papyrus copies of New Testament books dating centuries earlier than most previously known manuscripts.

Full Account

The Oxyrhynchus finds, Chester Beatty papyri, Bodmer papyri, and many smaller fragments preserve portions of nearly every New Testament book. Some date to the second or third century. They reveal early circulation, scribal habits, and textual variation while frequently supporting readings already known from later witnesses.

Historical Significance

The papyri narrowed the chronological gap between the autographs and surviving copies and supplied direct evidence for the early transmission of the New Testament.

People, Places and Sources

Key people: Bernard Grenfell; Arthur Hunt; Alfred Chester Beatty; Martin Bodmer
Key places: Oxyrhynchus; Egypt; Dublin; Geneva
Languages: Greek
Scripture: John 1:1-18