Introduction to Papyrus 47: A Singular Witness to Revelation
Papyrus 47 (P47), designated as P. Chester Beatty III, is a critical manuscript in the textual study of the New Testament, particularly the book of Revelation. Dated to approximately 200–250 C.E., this manuscript provides a snapshot of the transmission of Revelation’s text during a time when Christianity was spreading amidst opposition and doctrinal disputes. P47 is part of the Chester Beatty Papyri collection and represents one of the oldest surviving witnesses to Revelation, bridging the gap between earlier fragmentary evidence and later complete codices like Codex Sinaiticus (א).
This manuscript contains portions of Revelation 9:10–11:3; 11:5–16:15; and 16:17–17:2, encompassing a significant segment of the apocalyptic visions. Its textual affinities, particularly with Codex Sinaiticus, make it invaluable for reconstructing the original wording of Revelation. Additionally, the physical characteristics and scribal habits observed in P47 provide insights into the manuscript production and textual preservation practices of early Christians.
The Dating of P47: Placing the Manuscript in History
Paleographic Evidence Supporting the Date
The paleographic analysis of P47 places its origin between 200 and 250 C.E., based on the style of its script. Frederic G. Kenyon, who first studied the manuscript, noted that its letterforms—especially the alpha, beta, epsilon, mu, sigma, and omega—align with other third-century documentary hands. The following features affirm its date:
Comparison with Dated Documents P47’s script closely resembles that of P. Michigan 529 (Inv. 5473 verso), a documentary text dated to 232–236 C.E. This connection helps anchor P47 within the mid-third century.
Consistency with Other Chester Beatty Papyri The Chester Beatty Papyri, discovered in the same region and often sharing similar paleographic traits, include manuscripts such as P46 (Paul’s Epistles). The shared stylistic features reinforce the dating of P47 to this period.
Simplicity and Professionalism in Script The manuscript exhibits a documentary-style hand with clear and consistent abbreviation of numerals, indicating a professional scribe experienced in document preparation. Such characteristics were common in third-century manuscripts.
Content of P47: The Text of Revelation
Extant Portions
P47 contains approximately 30 leaves, preserving significant sections of Revelation, including:
Revelation 9:10–11:3
Revelation 11:5–16:15
Revelation 16:17–17:2
These passages encompass key elements of the apocalyptic narrative, such as the sounding of the trumpets (Revelation 9), the prophesying of the two witnesses (Revelation 11), the outpouring of the bowls of wrath (Revelation 16), and the early vision of Babylon (Revelation 17).
Canonical Observations
While incomplete, P47’s preserved text is consistent with the canonical Revelation found in later manuscripts. Its close textual alignment with Codex Sinaiticus suggests that it belongs to an early Alexandrian textual tradition, distinct from other textual clusters that incorporate additional readings or harmonizations.
Physical Features of P47: Insights from the Manuscript
Codex Construction
P47 was part of a single-quire codex, a common format among early Christian manuscripts. This codex originally measured approximately 14 cm by 24 cm, with 26–28 lines per page. The text was written in a single column, reflecting the economy of space and ease of reading prioritized by early scribes.
Scribal Habits and Corrections
The scribe of P47 demonstrated precision and experience, as evidenced by:
Use of Abbreviations Numerals and nomina sacra (sacred names like “Jesus” and “God”) were consistently abbreviated, following standard scribal practices.
Corrections by a Secondary Hand A second corrector (c2) revisited the manuscript, darkening letters and making minor corrections. This process suggests the manuscript’s active use within a Christian community, possibly for liturgical or instructional purposes.
Textual Character of P47: An Alexandrian Witness
Affinities with Codex Sinaiticus
Kenyon’s initial assessment identified P47 as closely related to Codex Sinaiticus (א). Subsequent research confirmed that P47 and א share a distinct textual tradition for Revelation, setting them apart from other major textual witnesses like Codex Alexandrinus (A) and Codex Ephraemi Rescriptus (C).
Textual Relationships
P47 and Codex Sinaiticus form a textual group characterized by concise readings and minimal harmonizations. This contrasts with other text types:
Distinct from Alexandrinus (A) and Ephraemi (C) While A, C, and P115 represent one early textual tradition, P47 aligns more closely with Sinaiticus, emphasizing its Alexandrian origin.
Proto-Alexandrian Characteristics The readings in P47 often agree with what textual critics identify as proto-Alexandrian, reflecting an earlier stage of the Alexandrian textual tradition. This is particularly evident in its omissions of expansions and explanatory additions.
Significant Textual Variants in P47
Revelation 11:17
P47: Omits the phrase “who is to come” (ὁ ἐρχόμενος), simplifying the doxology.
Other Witnesses: Include “who is to come,” found in Byzantine and Western manuscripts. This variant demonstrates the Alexandrian tendency toward conciseness.
Revelation 13:5
P47: Reads “forty-two months” without additional elaboration.
Other Witnesses: Some Byzantine manuscripts expand the description of the beast’s authority. The brevity in P47 aligns with Alexandrian readings.
Revelation 17:1
P47: Simplifies the phrase “I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute.”
Other Witnesses: Include explanatory clauses found in later textual traditions. This omission underscores the Alexandrian preference for textual economy.
Theological and Historical Implications of P47
P47’s close textual relationship with Codex Sinaiticus highlights its role in preserving an early and reliable text of Revelation. The manuscript’s proto-Alexandrian characteristics affirm its value for reconstructing the original wording of Revelation. Its existence in a mid-third-century codex also reflects the centrality of apocalyptic literature in early Christian worship and teaching.
Revelation’s text, with its complex imagery and prophetic warnings, was particularly relevant to persecuted Christian communities. P47’s use, as evidenced by its corrections and lectoral marks, suggests that it may have served a didactic or liturgical function, helping Christians navigate their faith during times of trial.
Conclusion: The Enduring Value of P47
Papyrus 47 provides a rare glimpse into the early textual transmission of the book of Revelation. Its Alexandrian text-type affiliation and mid-third-century origin make it a cornerstone for textual critics and a testament to the care with which early Christians preserved their sacred writings. By studying P47, we gain a deeper appreciation for the providence of Jehovah in ensuring the integrity of the New Testament text.
EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).
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