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Introduction to P71

Papyrus 71 (P71) holds significance as an early Greek manuscript of the New Testament, classified within the Gregory-Aland system as a fragment of the Gospel of Matthew. Specifically, it contains portions of Matthew 19:10-11, 17-18, and is paleographically dated to 225-275 C.E. This places it in the early centuries of Christianity, a critical period for textual transmission and preservation.

P71 is an essential witness to the Alexandrian text-type, widely regarded as the most reliable text family for reconstructing the original words of the New Testament. Though fragmentary, it has been categorized as Category II by Kurt Aland, indicating its primary Alexandrian alignment while recognizing possible secondary influences. The manuscript is currently housed at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, designated as P. Oxy. 2385, part of the renowned Oxyrhynchus papyri collection.

The Reading Culture of Early Christianity

Date of P71

The paleographic assessment of P71 places its origin between 225 and 275 C.E., a period of Roman persecution and intense Christian textual activity. This era coincided with significant efforts to standardize the text of the New Testament across diverse Christian communities. As a result, manuscripts from this period are highly valued for their proximity to the autographs.

The dating of P71 is consistent with other key manuscripts of the Alexandrian text-type, such as P66 (100-150 C.E.) and P75 (175-225 C.E.). These manuscripts provide a strong textual witness to the early transmission of the Gospels, particularly in their rigorous adherence to what is believed to be the original text.

Content of P71

The surviving content of P71 consists of fragments from the Gospel of Matthew, specifically:

Matthew 19:10-11: “The disciples said to him, ‘If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.’ Jesus replied, ‘Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given.'”
Matthew 19:17-18: “Why do you ask me about what is good? Jesus replied. There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments. ‘Which ones?’ he inquired. Jesus replied, ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony…'”

These verses reflect the teachings of Jesus on marriage, commitment, and moral conduct, themes central to the ethical framework of the New Testament.

Physical Features of P71

P71, like other papyri in the Oxyrhynchus collection, was written on papyrus, a common writing material in antiquity. The fragmentary nature of the manuscript limits the extent of its textual content. Its script exhibits characteristics typical of Alexandrian manuscripts, including precise and carefully executed letters.

The manuscript’s layout and script suggest it was part of a codex, a format increasingly used by Christians during this period. Codices offered practical advantages over scrolls, such as easier access to specific texts and increased portability, aiding the dissemination of the Gospel.

Textual Character of P71

The Alexandrian Text-Type

P71 is a representative of the Alexandrian text-type, which is generally considered the most accurate and reliable family of New Testament manuscripts. This text-type is characterized by:

Conciseness and Brevity: Alexandrian manuscripts tend to avoid expansions or harmonizations commonly found in other text-types, such as the Byzantine.
High Degree of Accuracy: Scribes associated with this tradition appear to have worked with meticulous care, minimizing scribal errors and maintaining fidelity to the original text.
Geographical Center: Originating in Alexandria, a hub of intellectual and religious activity, this text-type reflects the rigorous scholarship of early Christian communities in the region.

Examples of major Alexandrian witnesses include Codex Sinaiticus (330-360 C.E.), Codex Vaticanus (300-330 C.E.), and papyri such as P66 and P75. These manuscripts provide a consistent and reliable basis for reconstructing the original text of the New Testament.

Distinctive Variants in Matthew 19

While P71 is too fragmentary to offer a comprehensive analysis of textual variants, its affiliation with the Alexandrian tradition suggests a high degree of textual integrity. In Matthew 19:17, for example, Alexandrian witnesses often preserve the simpler reading:

“Why do you ask me about what is good?”

This contrasts with Byzantine manuscripts, which expand the text to include, “Why do you call me good?” Such expansions are characteristic of the Byzantine tradition and are often viewed as later theological clarifications.

Kurt Aland’s Categorization of P71

Understanding the Aland Categories

Kurt Aland’s classification system categorizes New Testament manuscripts into five groups based on textual quality and alignment with early traditions:

Category I: Manuscripts of the highest quality, typically Alexandrian, dating to the early centuries of Christianity.
Category II: Manuscripts with a strong Alexandrian base but containing minor influences from other text-types.
Category III: Manuscripts of mixed textual character, reflecting significant variation and secondary influences.
Category IV: Manuscripts representative of the Western text-type, characterized by paraphrastic tendencies and distinctive readings.
Category V: Manuscripts of the Byzantine tradition, generally later and reflecting the majority text.

Category II and P71

P71 is placed in Category II, reflecting its Alexandrian alignment with some secondary influences. This classification underscores its importance as a witness to the early text of Matthew, while acknowledging that it may exhibit minor deviations due to scribal habits or regional influences.

Examples of Category II manuscripts include P45 (175-225 C.E.), which, like P71, provides an essential link to the textual traditions of the early church. Category II manuscripts are invaluable for bridging the gap between the original autographs and later text-types.

Scholarly Implications

P71, despite its brevity, contributes significantly to our understanding of the Alexandrian text-type and the early transmission of the Gospel of Matthew. Its careful preservation within the Oxyrhynchus collection attests to the diligence of early Christian scribes in transmitting the Scriptures with fidelity.

The Alexandrian text-type, as represented by P71, offers unparalleled insight into the original words of Jesus Christ, ensuring that His teachings remain unaltered by later theological developments or scribal errors. The precision of this text-type aligns with the promise found in Isaiah 40:8, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”

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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).