Papyrus 68, designated as P68 in the Gregory-Aland numbering, is an early papyrus manuscript of the New Testament written in Greek. This manuscript contains portions of the First Epistle to the Corinthians, specifically 1 Corinthians 4:12-17 and 4:19-5:3. Based on paleographic analysis, which studies comparative writing styles, P68 has been dated to the 7th century C.E.

The Greek text of P68 is considered mixed, containing elements from different text-types. Kurt Aland, a notable biblical scholar, placed P68 in Category III within his classification system for New Testament manuscripts. Category III includes manuscripts that have a distinctive character with an independent text, making them particularly important for the history of the text.

The First Epistle to the Corinthians, where these verses are found, is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth. This epistle addresses various issues within the church, including divisions, immorality, and questions about spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 4:12-17, Paul emphasizes the hardships and sufferings that he and other apostles endure for the sake of the Gospel. He writes, “We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment. I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children. Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me.

“In 1 Corinthians 4:19-5:3, Paul addresses the issue of immorality within the church and emphasizes the need for church discipline. He writes, “But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit? It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife. And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this? For my part, even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. As one who is present with you in this way, I have already passed judgment in the name of our Lord Jesus on the one who has been doing this.”

The study of P68 somewhat, and especially 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.

The Apostle Paul underscores the importance of Scripture in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, stating, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.” This conviction forms the foundation of the conservative evangelical approach to textual criticism, which seeks to uphold the authority and trustworthiness of the biblical text.

Moreover, the Apostle Peter affirms the reliability of the apostolic witness in 2 Peter 1:16-21, where he writes, “For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.” This passage emphasizes the authenticity and divine origin of the apostolic message, further reinforcing the importance of preserving the integrity of the New Testament text.

The preservation and study of manuscripts like P68 are vital for maintaining the integrity of the New Testament. This manuscript is currently housed at the Austrian National Library (Inv. 14. 1. 527) in New York, where it continues to be a valuable resource for scholars. Its existence and the meticulous work of textual critics affirm the reliability of the New Testament and the faithfulness of God’s Word throughout history.

Alexandrian Text-Type and Aland’s Category III

The Alexandrian text-type is one of the primary text-types used in New Testament textual criticism. It is known for its concise and accurate readings, often considered closer to the original autographs of the New Testament. The Alexandrian text-type is highly valued in conservative evangelical scholarship due to its textual reliability. Manuscripts of this text-type, such as Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus, are among the oldest and most complete New Testament manuscripts available.

Kurt Aland, a prominent biblical scholar, developed a classification system for New Testament manuscripts based on their textual characteristics and reliability. Aland’s Category III includes manuscripts that have a distinctive character with an independent text. These manuscripts are important for understanding the history of the textual traditions and to a lesser degree for establishing the original text. Manuscripts in this category usually present mixed or eclectic text-types, containing elements from different textual traditions.

The study of the Alexandrian text-type and Aland’s classification system is crucial for conservative evangelical scholars who seek to uphold the authority and trustworthiness of the New Testament. By examining and comparing manuscripts from different text-types and categories, scholars can reconstruct the most accurate text possible, ensuring that the Scriptures remain a reliable foundation for faith and practice.

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