Canon and the Ancient Christian Bible — Major Manuscripts

Bodmer Papyrus P66

c. AD 200
A Visit With Jesus

P66 preserves most of the Gospel of John in an early papyrus codex with numerous corrections.

Full Account

P66 contains large portions of John and is one of the earliest extensive New Testament manuscripts. Its scribe made mistakes and many corrections, some by the original hand and others by later readers.

The manuscript shows that early transmission was not mechanically perfect, yet correction also reveals active concern for accurate copying. Its text is indispensable for comparison with later witnesses.

Historical Significance

P66 supplies extensive early evidence for John and illustrates both human copying variation and deliberate correction.

People, Places and Sources