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Introduction to P73 and P74

The study of ancient biblical manuscripts plays a pivotal role in understanding the transmission of the New Testament text. Two notable papyri, Papyrus 73 (P73) and Papyrus 74 (P74), contribute uniquely to this endeavor. Dating to the 7th century C.E., these manuscripts reflect differing textual characteristics and levels of textual reliability. P73 represents a fragment of the Gospel of Matthew, while P74 contains extensive portions of the Acts of the Apostles and the Catholic Epistles. Their textual features reveal significant insights into the preservation and textual families of the New Testament.

Papyrus 73 (P73): Overview and Content

Papyrus 73, designated as P73 in the Gregory-Aland numbering, is a fragmentary manuscript of the Gospel of Matthew containing only Matthew 25:43 and 26:2-3. While small in scope, it is significant for its alignment with the Byzantine text-type. Scholars have categorized it as a witness of the Byzantine tradition, though its brevity prevents definitive textual analysis.

Paleographically, P73 has been dated to the 7th century C.E. and is housed at the Bibliotheca Bodmeriana in Cologny. Its minimal content, coupled with its textual alignment, places it in Category V under the classification system developed by Kurt Aland, signifying manuscripts representative of the Byzantine tradition.

The Reading Culture of Early Christianity

Papyrus 74 (P74): Overview and Content

Papyrus 74, or P74, is far more extensive, encompassing significant portions of the Acts of the Apostles and the Catholic Epistles (James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Jude). Despite its 7th century C.E. date, it exhibits a strong Alexandrian textual character, placing it in Category I in Aland’s classification, which denotes manuscripts of exceptional textual quality.

Comparison of Contents

P74 provides a greater textual witness compared to P73, with a range of passages that are foundational for understanding textual variants. Its extensive readings in Acts and the Catholic Epistles make it a significant resource for textual scholars seeking to analyze early textual traditions.

Physical Features of P73 and P74

P73: Material and Paleographic Features

P73, though fragmentary, reveals paleographic characteristics consistent with the 7th century C.E. The script displays a style reflective of the Byzantine tradition, emphasizing the continued usage and copying of this text-type well into the medieval period.

P74: Material and Paleographic Features

P74, also dated to the 7th century C.E., is preserved more extensively than P73. The manuscript’s material quality suggests its intended use for public reading or ecclesiastical purposes. The handwriting style is formal, aligning with practices typical of Alexandrian scribes, and underscores the precision with which the text was transmitted.

Textual Character of P73 and P74

The Byzantine Text of P73

The Greek text of P73 aligns with the Byzantine text-type, as observed in its fragments from Matthew. The Byzantine text-type, dominant in the medieval period, is characterized by its fuller readings and smooth grammatical structure. Despite this alignment, P73 is too fragmentary to decisively contribute to the overall Byzantine tradition.

For instance, in Matthew 25:43, P73 corroborates the Byzantine tradition’s wording, which is characterized by less textual variation compared to Alexandrian manuscripts. Nevertheless, its brevity limits its utility for deeper textual criticism.

The Alexandrian Text of P74

In contrast, P74 aligns with the Alexandrian text-type, known for its textual accuracy and brevity. The Alexandrian tradition is generally considered closer to the original autographs, and P74 is an excellent witness to this text-type.

Key Textual Variants in P74

Acts 12:25 – P74 supports the reading ἐξ Ἰερουσαλήμ (“from Jerusalem”), aligning with significant witnesses like Codex Alexandrinus and Codex Vaticanus. This reading contrasts with the Byzantine text, which reads εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ (“to Jerusalem”). The Alexandrian reading likely reflects an earlier and more authentic tradition.
Acts 15:34 – P74 omits this verse, agreeing with Codices Sinaiticus, Alexandrinus, and Vaticanus. The verse is absent in early Alexandrian witnesses but present in the Byzantine tradition, suggesting it may be a later interpolation.
Acts 20:28 – P74 supports the reading τοῦ κυρίου (“of the Lord”), diverging from the Alexandrian τοῦ Θεοῦ (“of God”) and the Byzantine τοῦ κυρίου καὶ τοῦ Θεοῦ (“of the Lord and of God”). This reading illustrates P74’s textual independence, reflecting both Alexandrian and mixed traditions.
Acts 27:16 – P74 preserves the name of the island as Καῦδα, supported by Codex Vaticanus and early versions like the Old Latin and Peshitta. This reading contrasts with later Byzantine witnesses, further affirming P74’s Alexandrian affiliation.

Kurt Aland’s Classification of P73 and P74

Kurt Aland developed a system for categorizing New Testament manuscripts based on their textual quality and alignment with recognized text-types.

Category V: P73

Aland placed P73 in Category V, which encompasses manuscripts representative of the Byzantine text-type. Manuscripts in this category are generally less significant for reconstructing the earliest text of the New Testament but provide valuable insights into the Byzantine tradition’s development and dissemination.

Category I: P74

In contrast, Aland assigned P74 to Category I, reserved for manuscripts of outstanding textual quality. Manuscripts in this category are critical for establishing the original New Testament text, as they align closely with the Alexandrian tradition. P74’s extensive readings and alignment with early Alexandrian witnesses make it a cornerstone manuscript for textual studies of Acts and the Catholic Epistles.

Textual Implications and Scholarly Significance

The Contribution of P73

While P73’s fragmentary nature limits its direct contribution to textual criticism, it serves as evidence of the widespread use of the Byzantine text-type in the 7th century. Its preservation underscores the Byzantine tradition’s dominance in the medieval era, reflecting the enduring influence of this text-type.

The Contribution of P74

P74, however, is of far greater textual significance. Its alignment with the Alexandrian text-type, coupled with its precision and fidelity to early textual traditions, provides a critical resource for analyzing the Acts of the Apostles and the Catholic Epistles. P74’s omission of interpolations, such as Acts 15:34, and its independent textual variants, such as in Acts 20:28, affirm its role as a key Alexandrian witness.

Moreover, P74’s preservation of unique readings, such as Καῦδα in Acts 27:16, highlights the diversity within the Alexandrian tradition itself and provides valuable data for reconstructing the earliest New Testament text.

Conclusion

Papyrus 73 and Papyrus 74 represent distinct streams of textual transmission within the New Testament manuscript tradition. P73, with its Byzantine alignment, reflects the widespread dissemination of this tradition by the 7th century, while P74 stands as a premier witness to the Alexandrian text-type’s textual integrity and early origins. Together, these manuscripts underscore the richness and complexity of the New Testament’s textual history.

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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).