Papyrus P106 — The Opening of John

Physical Description

A surviving fragment from a Greek papyrus codex, written on both sides in a single column. The original page contained approximately twenty to twenty-one lines. The fragment preserves portions of two passages from the opening chapter of John.

Dating the Manuscript

Generally assigned to the third century through examination of its handwriting.

Discovery and Preservation

The fragment belongs to the Oxyrhynchus papyrus discoveries from Egypt. It was published in the Oxyrhynchus Papyri series and subsequently catalogued as P106.

Historical Context

P106 preserves passages central to the opening narrative of John. These include the identification of Jesus as the Lamb of God and the beginning of His public ministry through the calling of disciples.

Textual Characteristics

The manuscript preserves early readings that can be compared with P66 and later Greek witnesses. The wording of John 1:34 is of particular textual interest because ancient manuscripts differ between descriptions of Jesus as the Son of God and the Chosen One of God.

Significance for Gospel Preservation

P106 supplies a third-century witness to John's opening chapter. Its agreement with other manuscripts in much of the surviving text supports continuity in the transmission of the Gospel, while its individual readings provide evidence for evaluating the history of particular expressions.

Sources and Further Reading

1. Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts Digital Collection
   Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts. Digital Manuscript Collection.
   CSNTM manuscript catalogue and digital research resources.
2. New Testament Virtual Manuscript Room
   Institute for New Testament Textual Research. New Testament Virtual Manuscript Room.
   INTF manuscript identification and catalogue evidence.