An Introduction to the New Testament Manuscripts and their Texts

An indispensable introduction which emphasises dramatic current developments in the study of the New Testament.

D. C. Parker (Author)

9780521719896, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 24 July 2008

400 pages
22.5 x 15.2 x 2.3 cm, 0.63 kg

'I found reading Parker's Introduction intellectually refreshing and enjoyable. Parker engages the study of the manuscripts and their texts in all their complexity with a sense of respect, curiosity and awe which is contagious. I recommend the text to any thoughtful reader who has ever wondered about the development and transmission of Christian thought and scriptures.' David W. Odell-Scott, Kent State University

This book is a major English-language introduction to the earliest manuscripts of the New Testament. An essential handbook for scholars and students, it provides a thorough grounding in the study and editing of the New Testament text combined with an emphasis on the dramatic current developments in the field. Covering ancient sources in Greek, Syriac, Latin and Coptic, it: • Describes the manuscripts and other ancient textual evidence, and the tools needed to study them • Deals with textual criticism and textual editing, describing modern approaches and techniques, with guidance on the use of editions • Introduces the witnesses and textual study of each of the main sections of the New Testament, discussing typical variants and their significance. A companion website with full-colour images provides generous amounts of illustrative material, bringing the subject alive for the reader.

Introduction
Part I. The Documents: 1. The study of the manuscripts
2. Practical skills in the study of manuscripts
3. Other types of witness
Part II. Textual Criticism and Editions: 4. Manuscripts as tradents of the text
5. Textual criticism
6. Editions and how to use them
Part III. The Sections of the New Testament: 7. Revelation
8. Paul
9. Acts and the Catholic Epistles
10. The gospels
11. Final thoughts
Glossary
Indexes.

Subject Areas: Criticism & exegesis of sacred texts [HRLC1], Christian theology [HRCM], Biblical studies & exegesis [HRCG], Coding theory & cryptology [GPJ], Literary studies: classical, early & medieval [DSBB], Palaeography [history of writing CFL]