Canon and the Ancient Christian Bible — Major Manuscripts

Rylands Papyrus P52

c. AD 125-175
A Visit With Jesus

A small papyrus fragment from John preserves parts of Jesus' trial before Pilate.

Full Account

P52 contains portions of John 18:31-33 and 18:37-38 on both sides, showing that it came from a codex rather than a scroll. It was found in Egypt and is commonly dated to the second century.

The fragment is very small and cannot establish the wording of the whole Gospel. Its importance lies in providing early physical evidence that John was copied and circulating far from its likely place of composition.

Historical Significance

P52 supports early second-century circulation of the Fourth Gospel and exemplifies Christian use of the papyrus codex.

People, Places and Sources