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The Scroll: A Foundation of Ancient Writing

The scroll was the primary format for written documents in the ancient Near East, including biblical texts, from approximately the second millennium B.C.E. until the first century C.E. Scrolls were typically made from papyrus or parchment, materials derived from plant fibers or treated animal skins. These materials were durable for their time, but their physical limitations shaped how the text was written, stored, and read.

Biblical references to scrolls underscore their significance in transmitting God’s Word. For instance, Jeremiah 36:2 records JHVH’s command to the prophet: “Take a scroll and write on it all the words that I have spoken to you against Israel and Judah and all the nations, from the day I spoke to you, from the days of Josiah until today.” Similarly, Ezra 6:2 describes the discovery of a scroll containing Cyrus’ decree for the rebuilding of the temple, highlighting the centrality of this format for preserving divine commands.

Scrolls were rolled on wooden rods and inscribed in columns, typically on only one side. Their length could vary significantly; some biblical texts, such as the book of Isaiah, required a single long scroll, while others were divided into multiple scrolls for practical reasons. Reading from a scroll involved unrolling it to locate the desired passage and then rolling it back, as illustrated in Luke 4:16-20, where Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue. The physical form of scrolls, however, posed challenges in terms of accessibility, portability, and capacity.

The Reading Culture of Early Christianity

The Emergence of the Codex

By the first century C.E., a significant shift began as the codex—a bound collection of pages—emerged as an alternative to the scroll. The earliest codices were constructed from wooden or wax-coated tablets. These tablets were hinged together and used for temporary writing, primarily for administrative or legal purposes. Over time, waxed surfaces gave way to parchment or papyrus sheets, which could be folded, sewn together, and bound with protective covers.

The transition from scroll to codex was gradual, with the codex gaining popularity among Christians by the second century C.E. Although scrolls continued to be used in both secular and religious contexts for centuries, the codex offered distinct advantages that made it particularly suitable for the transmission of scripture.

Advantages of the Codex for Biblical Texts

The codex provided several practical benefits over the scroll, making it an ideal format for preserving and disseminating God’s Word. These advantages not only facilitated easier use but also contributed to the broader distribution and preservation of the Bible.

The codex allowed for writing on both sides of a page, maximizing the use of expensive materials like parchment and papyrus. This feature made the codex more economical, as a single volume could contain multiple books of scripture. The capacity to bind several books into one collection was especially useful for the early church, which sought to compile and circulate the writings of the apostles alongside the Hebrew scriptures.

The compact design of the codex also made it more portable. Christians, who were often engaged in evangelism and faced persecution, benefited from the ability to carry their sacred texts discreetly. By the third century C.E., pocket-sized Gospel codices were in circulation, enabling personal study and use in missionary work. Psalm 119:11 reflects the value of internalizing scripture: “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” The codex facilitated this spiritual discipline by making scripture more accessible.

Furthermore, the codex improved the process of locating specific passages. Scrolls required time-consuming unrolling to find a particular text, whereas the codex allowed for quick reference. This ease of use was significant for Christians engaged in teaching, apologetics, and worship. Paul’s instruction in 1 Timothy 4:13, “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of scripture, to exhortation, to teaching,” underscores the importance of readily available scripture for the early church’s ministry.

The codex’s durability also made it a practical choice for long-term preservation. Bound with sturdy covers, often made of wood or leather, codices were less prone to damage than scrolls. This feature was critical for safeguarding scripture in an era when persecution and material scarcity threatened its survival.

Christian Adoption of the Codex

Christians were among the earliest and most enthusiastic adopters of the codex. While the exact reasons for this preference are not explicitly stated in historical records, several factors likely contributed. The codex’s practical advantages aligned with the needs of the early church, which prioritized the dissemination of scripture and its use in evangelism and worship.

The use of the codex also reflected a break from Jewish traditions, where scrolls remained the preferred format for scripture. By adopting the codex, Christians demonstrated their distinct identity while embracing a medium that facilitated the spread of the gospel. The apostle Paul’s charge in 2 Timothy 2:2, “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also,” underscores the church’s emphasis on transmitting the faith through written scripture.

By the fourth century C.E., the codex had become the dominant format for written texts in the Roman Empire, largely due to Christian influence. The widespread adoption of the codex by the church contributed to its acceptance in secular contexts, further solidifying its place in history.

Key Manuscripts and the Role of the Codex in Preservation

Some of the most significant early biblical manuscripts are codices, which demonstrate the durability and utility of this format. The Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus, both dating to the fourth century C.E., are among the oldest surviving complete copies of the Bible in Greek. These codices provide invaluable insights into the textual transmission of scripture and affirm the early church’s dedication to preserving God’s Word.

Papyrus fragments, such as the Rylands Library Papyrus (P52), which contains a portion of the Gospel of John and dates to the early second century C.E., also highlight the codex’s role in the spread of scripture. The survival of these texts in arid climates like Egypt attests to the durability of the materials and the care taken by early Christians to preserve their sacred writings.

Theological Implications of the Transition

The transition from scroll to codex was not merely a technological innovation but a reflection of the church’s mission to make scripture accessible and central to the life of believers. The codex symbolized the unity of scripture, allowing multiple books to be bound together in a single volume. This format underscored the interconnectedness of the Old and New Testaments, reinforcing the church’s understanding of scripture as the cohesive revelation of God’s will.

The use of the codex also facilitated the fulfillment of prophecies regarding the universality of God’s Word. Isaiah 11:9 declares, “The earth shall be full of the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters cover the sea.” The codex, by enabling the widespread distribution of scripture, played a significant role in advancing this divine purpose.

Modern Reflections on the Preservation of Scripture

Today, the Bible is available in a variety of formats, including print, digital, and audio. These innovations continue the legacy of the codex, which revolutionized the accessibility and preservation of God’s Word. However, the principles underlying the adoption of the codex remain unchanged: a commitment to faithfully transmitting scripture and making it available to all people.

Psalm 119:97 expresses the believer’s devotion to God’s Word: “Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.” Regardless of the format, the enduring importance of scripture lies in its ability to guide, instruct, and transform the lives of those who seek Jehovah.

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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).