History of the Bible

We believe that the Bible is Gods written word for us. However we also know that the Bible was written by men. So how do we know it is the word of God and not just a sect? Muslims proclaim that the Bible is corrupted, what about that is true?

This chapter dives into the historical facts of the Bible. Along with some things that the Bible says about itself.

Note

ChatGPT is used for giving context about certain things, like which variations are in the Bible.

Manuscripts

List of manuscripts of the Bible

Most notable for the early manuscripts are the Papyrus versions, since they are the oldest and thus contain the most reliable version of the new testament. This is also the base of identifying the alterations in the bible. If, in a newer translation or version, something is added or removed than this is an indication that it was not in the original version and is thus added. Also see the wiki for the earliest Papyri.

Chester Beatty Papyri

wiki

Papyrus 75

Wiki.

Alterations

We know of several alterations in the Bible, here is a list of the ones I could find(need to check a few):

  • Mark 16:9-20: The longer ending of the Gospel of Mark is not found in some of the earliest manuscripts. Many modern translations note this and may include the passage but with a disclaimer about its disputed status.

  • John 7:53-8:11: The story of the woman caught in adultery is not found in the earliest manuscripts of the Gospel of John. It is often included with a note indicating its contested status.

  • 1 John 5:7-8 (Comma Johanneum): This passage, known as the Comma Johanneum, is a disputed longer reading regarding the Trinity. Most modern translations omit or footnote it, as it is not found in the earliest Greek manuscripts. wiki

  • TODO CHECK Matthew 16:2-3: Some manuscripts lack the saying about interpreting the signs of the weather in Matthew 16:2-3.

  • TODO CHECK Luke 22:19b-20: The shorter reading of the institution of the Lord’s Supper is found in some manuscripts, omitting the words “which is given for you” and “new covenant in my blood.”

  • TODO CHECK Luke 23:34a: Some manuscripts lack the phrase “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

  • Acts 8:37: This verse, containing the confession of the Ethiopian eunuch, is absent from some manuscripts.