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The Reading Culture of Early Christianity

Papyrus 43, known in the Gregory-Aland numbering as P43, is an early papyrus manuscript of the New Testament written in Greek. This manuscript contains portions of the Book of Revelation, specifically Revelation 2:12-13 and 15:8-16:2. Based on paleographic analysis, which studies comparative writing styles, P43 has been dated to the 6th or 7th century C.E.Scholars W. E. Crum and H. I. Bell describe P43 as a “small scrap of light-colored papyrus” written in two different, rough, and inelegant hands. The manuscript’s physical characteristics suggest that it likely contained only extracts from the Book of Revelation. This is evidenced by the fact that the text on the verso (the reverse side) is oriented opposite to the text on the recto (the front side), making it improbable that the papyrus contained continuous text spanning chapters 2 and 15.

The Greek text of P43 is representative of the Alexandrian text-type, known for its textual reliability and closeness to the original autographs of the New Testament. The Alexandrian text-type is highly valued in conservative evangelical scholarship due to its concise and accurate readings. Kurt Aland, a notable biblical scholar, placed P43 in Category II within his classification system for New Testament manuscripts. Category II indicates that the manuscript has a high degree of reliability but also contains some textual variations.

The Book of Revelation, where these verses are found, is a prophetic text that provides a vivid and symbolic vision of the end times. The Apostle John, the author of Revelation, received this vision while exiled on the island of Patmos. Revelation 2:12-13 includes Jesus’ message to the church in Pergamum, warning them about the dangers of false teachings and commending their faithfulness despite persecution. Revelation 15:8-16:2 describes the outpouring of God’s wrath in the form of seven bowls, symbolizing the final judgment upon the earth.

In Revelation 2:12-13, the text reads: “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, two-edged sword: I know where you are living, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you are holding fast to my name, and you did not deny your faith in me even in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan lives.” This passage emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to Christ even in the face of severe opposition.

Revelation 16:1-2 states: “Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, ‘Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.’ So the first angel went and poured his bowl on the earth, and foul and painful sores came on those who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped its image.” This passage highlights the certainty of God’s judgment upon those who oppose Him and aligns with the themes of divine retribution and ultimate justice found throughout the Book of Revelation.

The significance of P43 extends beyond its textual content. It provides crucial insights into the transmission and preservation of the New Testament text. The combination of Alexandrian and Byzantine readings in P43 reflects the manuscript’s historical journey through different Christian communities. This dual textual tradition underscores the diverse yet unified nature of early Christian scriptural transmission.

The study of P43 and other early manuscripts is essential for conservative evangelical scholars who seek to establish the original text of the New Testament. Textual criticism, the discipline of comparing and analyzing manuscript variations, helps scholars reconstruct the most accurate text possible. This process is grounded in the belief that the Scriptures are divinely inspired and that God has providentially preserved His Word through the centuries.

About the Author

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).