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Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri...

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Testing the Text - The Bible is True
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Page 1: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Testing the Text -

The Bible is True

Page 2: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Testing the Text -

The Bible is True

Page 3: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Txt Messaging

Familiar with texting Normally not very important Unfamiliar language No capitals, little punctuation Example:-

Hi cant w8 2 c u :-)

Page 4: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Txt Messaging

Familiar with texting Normally not very important Unfamiliar language No capitals, little punctuation Example:-

Hi cant w8 2 c u :-)

When the text does matter

Page 5: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Modern Challenge

“The Bible is 1000s of years old written by unknown authors with their own agendas. It has many errors introduced by copying and translation and it simply can’t be trusted.”

Counter this challenge

Page 6: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Modern Challenge

“The Bible is 1000s of years old written by unknown authors with their own agendas. It has many errors introduced by copying and translation and it simply can’t be trusted.”

Counter this challenge

What does the Bible claim?

Page 7: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

The Bible Claim . . .

Page 8: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

The Bible Claim . . .

God is the author

Page 9: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

The Bible Claim . . .

God is the author 2 Timothy 3:16-17

The Bible is inspired by God

Page 10: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

God Caused Men to Speak

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

2 Peter 1:20-21

Page 11: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Important Point

2 Timothy 3:15 Holy scriptures make us wise unto salvation

through faith

Bible should be read as a whole It has repetitions - emphasize its teaching Context is essential for understanding Shouldn’t accept any doctrine based on just

one passage

Page 12: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Important Point

2 Timothy 3:15 Holy scriptures make us wise unto salvation

through faith

Bible should be read as a whole It has repetitions - emphasize its teaching Context is essential for understanding Shouldn’t accept any doctrine based on just

one passage

Don’t rely on 1 word or passage

Page 13: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Alleged Mistakes?

First accusation:- Errors introduced during copying:-

Intentional (to change meaning) Accidental (but errors nonetheless)

Page 14: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Old Testament Timeline

0 500AD 1000AD500BC1000BC

Page 15: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Old Testament Timeline

0 500AD 1000AD500BC1000BC

Old Testament completed

Page 16: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Old Testament Timeline

0 500AD 1000AD500BC1000BC

Old Testament completed

650BC Book of Isaiah

completed

Page 17: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Old Testament Timeline

0 500AD 1000AD500BC1000BC

Old Testament completed

650BC Book of Isaiah

completed

900AD Oldest Hebrew

manuscript

Page 18: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Old Testament Timeline

0 500AD 1000AD500BC1000BC

Old Testament completed

650BC Book of Isaiah

completed

900AD Oldest Hebrew

manuscript

1300 yearsOpportunity for errors to

creep in

Page 19: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Old Testament Timeline

0 500AD 1000AD500BC1000BC

Old Testament completed

650BC Book of Isaiah

completed

900AD Oldest Hebrew

manuscript

1300 yearsOpportunity for errors to

creep in

Answer to this problem?

Page 20: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Hebrew Scribes

“Masorite” from “MASORAH” = "tradition" Guardians of Jewish tradition 7th-11th century scribes

Passionate concern with their special statistics E.g. 1st letter on any line of any page of any scroll In all 24 books of the Hebrew Bible

Masorites systemised vowel pointing Hebrew contains no written vowels Helped fix the pronunciation of Hebrew words

Page 21: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Hebrew Scribes

“Masorite” from “MASORAH” = "tradition" Guardians of Jewish tradition 7th-11th century scribes

Passionate concern with their special statistics E.g. 1st letter on any line of any page of any scroll In all 24 books of the Hebrew Bible

Masorites systemised vowel pointing Hebrew contains no written vowels Helped fix the pronunciation of Hebrew words

What about before the Masorites?

Page 22: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Copying the Old Testament

Rules in Talmud for copying text:- Written on the skin of a clean animal Prepared by a Jew Fastened together with strings taken from clean

animals

The copyist must... Wash his whole body & sit in full Jewish dress Not begin name of God with a pen newly dipped in

ink If a king speaks to him while writing God’s name

he must take no notice

Page 23: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Copying the Old Testament

Rules in Talmud for copying text:- Written on the skin of a clean animal Prepared by a Jew Fastened together with strings taken from clean

animals

The copyist must... Wash his whole body & sit in full Jewish dress Not begin name of God with a pen newly dipped in

ink If a king speaks to him while writing God’s name

he must take no notice

If mistake made, not allowed to erase it or cross it out, but ruined page thrown away & started anew

Page 24: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Copy Requirements...

Each volume 48-60 lines & breadth =30 letters Whole copy must be lined No deviation from the original No word or letter to be written from memory Space of hair must intervene between every consonant Breadth of 9 consonants must intervene between every

new paragraph or section Between every book, 3 line spaces 5th book of Moses must end exactly on a line

Page 25: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Copy Requirements...

Each volume 48-60 lines & breadth =30 letters Whole copy must be lined No deviation from the original No word or letter to be written from memory Space of hair must intervene between every consonant Breadth of 9 consonants must intervene between every

new paragraph or section Between every book, 3 line spaces 5th book of Moses must end exactly on a line

Scribes took every care to ensure copy was perfect - as authoritative as original

Page 26: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

A Discovery at Qumran

Page 27: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

A Discovery at Qumran

Page 28: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Old Testament Timeline

0 500AD 1000AD500BC1000BC

Old Testament completed

~650BC Book of Isaiah

completed

900AD Oldest Hebrew

manuscriptPrevious gap

Isaiah>1500 years

Page 29: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Old Testament Timeline

0 500AD 1000AD500BC1000BC

Old Testament completed

~650BC Book of Isaiah

completed

900AD Oldest Hebrew

manuscript

Page 30: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Old Testament Timeline

0 500AD 1000AD500BC1000BC

Old Testament completed

~650BC Book of Isaiah

completed

900AD Oldest Hebrew

manuscript

Dead Sea scrolls Isaiah

Manuscript200BC

Page 31: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Old Testament Timeline

0 500AD 1000AD500BC1000BC

Old Testament completed

~650BC Book of Isaiah

completed

900AD Oldest Hebrew

manuscript

Dead Sea scrolls Isaiah

Manuscript200BC

Much closer to original

Page 32: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Reliability of OT Texts

“Astounding” correspondence between Isaiah 53 in MT & scroll of Qumran 166 words in Isaiah 53 Only 17 letters different to Hebrew Bible 10 letters changes in spelling 4 letters minor stylistic changes 3 letters extra - “light” (v11)

Supported by LXX “After the travail of his soul he shall see light

and be satisfied”

Page 33: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Reliability of OT Texts

“Astounding” correspondence between Isaiah 53 in MT & scroll of Qumran 166 words in Isaiah 53 Only 17 letters different to Hebrew Bible 10 letters changes in spelling 4 letters minor stylistic changes 3 letters extra - “light” (v11)

Supported by LXX “After the travail of his soul he shall see light

and be satisfied”

No change in meaning

Page 34: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Reliability of OT Texts

“Astounding” correspondence between Isaiah 53 in MT & scroll of Qumran 166 words in Isaiah 53 Only 17 letters different to Hebrew Bible 10 letters changes in spelling 4 letters minor stylistic changes 3 letters extra - “light” (v11)

Supported by LXX “After the travail of his soul he shall see light

and be satisfied”Old Testament text is reliable

No change in meaning

Page 35: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

What about NT Texts?

Are the ancient Greek texts reliable? Yes they are and there are a lot of them! 5300 ancient manuscripts Compare with writing of Julius Caesar

10 manuscripts

Page 36: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

New Testament Timeline

1500AD 2000AD500AD0

AD90 New

Testament completed

34 complete

Greek manuscripts

9th-15th Century

1000AD

Page 37: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

New Testament Timeline

1500AD 2000AD500AD0

AD90 New

Testament completed

34 complete

Greek manuscripts

9th-15th Century

Codex Sinaiticus~340AD

1000AD

Page 38: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

New Testament Timeline

1500AD 2000AD500AD0

AD90 New

Testament completed

34 complete

Greek manuscripts

9th-15th Century

Codex Sinaiticus~340AD

1000AD

Codex Vaticanus~325AD

Page 39: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

New Testament Timeline

1500AD 2000AD500AD0

AD90 New

Testament completed

34 complete

Greek manuscripts

9th-15th Century

Codex Sinaiticus~340AD

1000AD

Codex Vaticanus~325AD

Codex ALexandrinus

~325AD

Page 40: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

New Testament Timeline

1500AD 2000AD500AD0

AD90 New

Testament completed

34 complete

Greek manuscripts

9th-15th Century

Codex Sinaiticus~340AD

1000AD

Codex Vaticanus~325AD

Codex ALexandrinus

~325AD

Chester Beatty Papyri ~250

AD

Page 41: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

New Testament Timeline

1500AD 2000AD500AD0

AD90 New

Testament completed

34 complete

Greek manuscripts

9th-15th Century

Codex Sinaiticus~340AD

1000AD

Codex Vaticanus~325AD

Codex ALexandrinus

~325AD

Chester Beatty Papyri ~250

ADBodmer Papyri II ~200 AD

Page 42: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

New Testament Timeline

1500AD 2000AD500AD0

AD90 New

Testament completed

34 complete

Greek manuscripts

9th-15th Century

Codex Sinaiticus~340AD

1000AD

Codex Vaticanus~325AD

Codex ALexandrinus

~325AD

Chester Beatty Papyri ~250

ADBodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John

Rylands Papyri

117-138 AD

Page 43: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Uncial Codices

Codex Siniaticus

Page 44: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Uncial Codices

Codex SiniaticusHow it might look in English

FORTHEGRACEOFGDBRINGING

SALVATIONHATHAPPEAREDTOALLMNTEACHINGUSTHATDENYINGUNGODLINESSANDWORDLYLUSTWESHOULDLIVESOBERLYANDGODLYINTHISPRESENT

EVILWORLDLOOKINGFORTHAT(Titus 2:11,12)

Page 45: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Reliability of NT Texts

Most of papyri fragmentary Only about 50 manuscripts contain entire NT ~300,000 individual variations of NT text

Number is very misleading Most differences completely inconsequential

Spelling errors Inverted phrases

Scholars confident they can identify original text

Page 46: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Reliability of NT Texts

Most of papyri fragmentary Only about 50 manuscripts contain entire NT ~300,000 individual variations of NT text

Number is very misleading Most differences completely inconsequential

Spelling errors Inverted phrases

Scholars confident they can identify original text

Aunt Sally’s Recipe

Page 47: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Reliability of NT Texts

99.5% is absolutely accurate Text of 20,000 lines, only 40 lines in doubt (400

words) None affects any significant doctrine

Examples:- Mark 16:9-20 John 8:1-11

Page 48: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Reliability of NT Texts

99.5% is absolutely accurate Text of 20,000 lines, only 40 lines in doubt (400

words) None affects any significant doctrine

Examples:- Mark 16:9-20 John 8:1-11

NT Greek text is reliable

Page 49: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Next Question?

What about translations? Are they reliable representations of original

Hebrew & Greek?

Yes! Lots of scholars quick to point out errors

Different translations tested & compared Literal translations

Attempt to translate word for word Paraphrases can be useful

Page 50: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Next Question?

What about translations? Are they reliable representations of original

Hebrew & Greek?

Yes! Lots of scholars quick to point out errors

Different translations tested & compared Literal translations

Attempt to translate word for word Paraphrases can be useful

Translational errors are not a problem

Page 51: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Remember

“You have known the Holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith”

Bible should be read as a whole It has repetitions - emphasize its teaching Context is essential for understanding Do not accept any doctrine based on just

one passage

Page 52: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Remember

“You have known the Holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith”

Bible should be read as a whole It has repetitions - emphasize its teaching Context is essential for understanding Do not accept any doctrine based on just

one passage

Read the whole of the Bible

Page 53: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Tips on Reading

Prepare time to read the Bible A reading plan helps

Listen for echoes Ask questions during your reading session When you don’t understand

Be patient Use another translation Find out the historical setting Ask someone experienced

Page 54: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

Tips on Reading

Prepare time to read the Bible A reading plan helps

Listen for echoes Ask questions during your reading session When you don’t understand

Be patient Use another translation Find out the historical setting Ask someone experienced

Your answers are in the Bible!

Page 55: Testing the Text€¦ · Codex Vaticanus ~325AD Codex ALexandrinus ~325AD Chester Beatty Papyri ~250 AD Bodmer Papyri II ~200 AD John Rylands Papyri 117-138 AD. Uncial Codices Codex

What’s stopping you?


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