Discovery #3 – How Many Mss?
The first question in our three-part test for integrity in ancient literature is: “How many handwritten manuscripts have been found?” Another question about the nature of the manuscripts we are speaking about should be addressed here:
“Are the manuscripts that have been found for ancient writings all complete?
No, many are fragments rather than the whole document. Archaeologists count every new find as another manuscript regardless of completeness. Because the manuscripts are very old they may be torn, rotted or burned. In fact, there are ancient writings for which no complete manuscripts have ever been found.
For the Gospels of the New Testament, which detail the life and ministry of Jesus, the first and early second century papyri manuscripts are all fragments. Nearly complete copies of the Gospels have been found from the late second century, for example, the Chester Beatty (P45) and Bodmer (P66, P75) papyri. Recently the Chester Beatty papyrus II (P46) containing most of the apostle Paul’s complete letters has been dated in the late first century.
The numbers of manuscripts cited throughout this session, whether of the New testament or otherwise, are all counted the same. There is not one standard used for other literature and another for the New Testament,” (Surprised by Faith Study and Discussion Guide, pg.23).
So, what is the number of manuscripts that have been discovered?
The number of ancient manuscripts discovered
Notice the read arrow and circle highlighting the number of manuscripts of Julius Caesar that have been discovered. They are noted because 10 is the average for all ancient works of literature. Now let’s add in the numbers for the New Testament:
Chart with New Testament manuscripts
Astounding, isn’t it? The number of New Testament manuscripts that have been discovered is over 38 times greater than the next largest amount!
These charts show us with a great degree of certainty that there is plenty of material to work with as we examine the New Testament for integrity.
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