The Value of the Papyri for New Testament Study

Abstract

Frederick E. Blume explores the profound significance of Greek papyri for New Testament scholarship. He traces the historical discovery and study of non-literary papyri, emphasizing their linguistic alignment with the vernacular Greek (koine) of the New Testament. Blume highlights Adolf Deissmann’s pivotal recognition of this connection and surveys the papyri’s contributions to vocabulary, grammar, syntax, textual criticism, and early Christian history. He discusses notable biblical papyri such as P45, P46, and P52, illustrating their value for understanding manuscript traditions and canonical development. The essay also presents vivid examples of everyday life, correspondence, and religious practices from the Graeco-Roman world, offering insights into the cultural context of early Christianity. Blume concludes that the papyri enrich our understanding of the New Testament’s language and background, making them indispensable tools for biblical study. —Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)