Problems in the New Testament : Old Manuscripts and Papyri, the New Genealogical Method (CBGM) and the Editio Critica Maior (ECM)

Abstract

The present study contains four different topics of major importance for the texts in the New Testament: 1. The four oldest documents of the Gospel of John: P66, P75, codex Sinaiticus and codex Vaticanus are discussed and it is found that they have been rather heavily affected. 2. It is shown that early papyri containing texts of the New Testament are far from being as firmly established as they are considered to be. 3. The Coherence-Based Genealogical Method (CBGM), fundamental to establishing the text of the Editio Maior of the New Testament, is thoroughly discussed. This method is found to be of no or little value which is serious since it may have an impact on future work on the New Testament and generally on editing classical and medieval texts. 4. A critical review of the Editio Critica Maior is presented, indicating both strengths and weaknesses.