If only we could hold the actual words of Luke's descriptive narrative or Paul's outpouring of pastoral pain to the church at Corinth. Now we can. A continuing quest to recover the New Testament text allows Christians to open their Bibles with confidence that the words approximate the writers' Greek quill strokes or the English equivalents. Such thought breaths excitement into Philip Comfort's history of the New Testament text and discussion of the credibility (and limitations) of texts and translations. Comfort challenges the view that early copyists were careless and took editorial liberties. He argues that their accuracy and integrity are indisputable. While this task involves comparing manuscripts, technical facts are framed in historical and cultural color. He assures Christians that even uncovering the paper signed by Paul would not change our understanding of what he said. This introduction to the work of textual criticism challenges students to continue the quest for the original text. It is essentially a sequel to 'Early Manuscripts and Modern Translations of the New Testament.'

New Testament theology raises many questions, not only within its own boundaries, but also in relation to other fields such as history, literary criticism, sociology, psychology, history, politics, philosophy, and religious studies. But, the overarching question concerns the relevance of two thousand year old writings in today's world. How does one establish what is and is not relevant in the New Testament? How does one communicate the ancient ideas, presented in an alien language, alien time, and alien culture to a contemporary audience? This book is intended to serve as a methodological introduction to the field of New Testament theology, aimed at a range of readers-undergraduate and Seminary students, clergy, and laypersons interested in the relevance of scripture. It is a guide which aims to help readers understand how practitioners of New Testament theology have wrestled with the relationship between historical reconstruction of the New Testament, and its interpretation in the modern world.

In "The Original Text of the New Testament," renowned conservative Christian New Testament Textual Criticism scholar delves into the rich and unparalleled manuscript evidence for the Greek New Testament. With a deep commitment to establishing the original words of the New Testament manuscripts, this comprehensive guide illuminates the essential principles and historical development of textual criticism while addressing common misconceptions and skepticism. With over 5,800 Greek New Testament manuscripts, more than 15,000 version manuscripts, and numerous church father quotations, the author demonstrates how the vast wealth of evidence surpasses any other ancient literature. The book examines the history of textual criticism since the 1500s, exploring the contributions of notable scholars, the discovery of key manuscripts, and the development of critical editions of the Greek New Testament. Through detailed analysis of textual variants and evaluation criteria, this scholarly work provides readers with the tools to confidently ascertain the original text of the New Testament. The author also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in the transmission and preservation of God's Word, emphasizing the importance of faith in approaching the text. "The Original Text of the New Testament" serves as both a comprehensive introduction for students of textual criticism and a valuable resource for seasoned scholars. By demonstrating the reliability and trustworthiness of the New Testament text, this book emboldens Christian readers to engage with their faith on a deeper level, instilling confidence in the enduring quest for the original text.

2013 Word Guild Award (Biblical Studies) A recognized expert in New Testament Greek offers a historical understanding of the writing, transmission, and translation of the New Testament and provides cutting-edge insights into how we got the New Testament in its ancient Greek and modern English forms. In part responding to those who question the New Testament's reliability, Stanley Porter rigorously defends the traditional goals of textual criticism: to establish the original text. He reveals fascinating details about the earliest New Testament manuscripts and shows that the textual evidence supports an early date for the New Testament's formation. He also explores the vital role translation plays in biblical understanding and evaluates various translation theories. The book offers a student-level summary of a vast amount of historical and textual information.

The New Testament, as a foundational document for millions of Christians around the world, has been the subject of intense study and scrutiny throughout history. Its text has been passed down through generations, copied by scribes, translated into numerous languages, and analyzed by scholars seeking to understand the original meaning and message of its authors. This book, "Introduction to the Text of the New Testament: From the Authors and the Scribes to the Modern Critical Texts," aims to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of the rich and complex journey that the New Testament text has taken from its inception to the present day. This work is not meant to be a mere repetition of existing scholarship; instead, it strives to synthesize the wealth of knowledge that has been accumulated on this subject and present it in a clear, accessible, and engaging manner. The chapters are organized in a logical progression, guiding readers through the various stages of the New Testament's development, including the materials used by ancient scribes, the transmission of the text, the emergence of textual families, and the various methodologies employed by scholars in their quest to recover the original text. In writing this book, we have endeavored to strike a balance between depth and accessibility, ensuring that both newcomers to the field and experienced scholars will find value in its pages. We have also made a conscious effort to be inclusive of different perspectives and methodologies, highlighting the ongoing debates and discussions within the field of New Testament textual criticism. As you embark on this journey through the history and development of the New Testament text, we hope that you will not only gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate process of textual transmission but also be inspired by the dedication and passion of the many scholars who have devoted their lives to preserving and understanding this sacred text. Ultimately, our aim is for this book to serve as a valuable resource and guide, illuminating the fascinating story behind the text that continues to shape the lives and beliefs of millions of people around the world.

This work features original contributions from world class scholars from the Studiorum Novi Testament Societas.