Considerations Of New Testament Textual Criticism
~~My thanks go to many previous students; in particular Dr. Paul Losiewicz (circa 1974), who encouraged me to include textual criticism as part of our course of study; Mark Morris and Bob Keith, more recent students, who encouraged me through our course of study while I was preparing five previous textbooks and the first few pages of this synopsis; the Systems Research Group who scanned and prepared for inclusion, the page containing Ephesians 1:1-11 from ℘46, the Chester Beatty Papyri. In the days when this original manuscript was written, personal scanners were not economically feasible. Thanks goes to the staff of the Online Bible for providing a valuable tool for the three texts used in Figures 2-3. My thanks also go to Dr. Greg Enos for checking this synopsis for accuracy and my seminary Greek Professor, Dr. Duane Dunham for his encouragement. Finally, Thanks go to the University of Michigan University Library, Ann Arbor, MI, for the photograph of the leaf containing Ephesians 1:1-11 from ℘46, (Figure 1. and the cover).
This is a short synopsis of the large field of Textual Criticism. It was prepared to give a beginning Greek student some insight into the purpose and possible benefits of this subject. There is nothing original in these considerations. The student should realize that there are few people who have the knowledge, skill, and gift to really make original contributions to the subject. It is hoped that the student will purchase some of the books mentioned in the Reference section. They should become some of your better "friends". You are free to copy and distribute diskettes containing this pamphlet, or my others, at no charge. Please contact me for future updates.
To those who have the desire and the discipline to learn exegetical expository preaching and the necessary backgrounds (textual criticism) for the benefit of the body of Christ; passing this discipline along to others, this book is dedicated.
13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation (application), to doctrine (explanation). . .
15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (1 Timothy 4:13,15-16)
2 And the things that thou hast heard of [from] me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2)
