New Testament Methodology and Textual Criticism

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on New Testament methodology and textual criticism.

Textual Criticism

A method that aims to locate the oldest and best versions of the New Testament (NT) manuscripts.

Papyri

Ancient writing materials made from the papyrus plant, often used in the earliest manuscripts.

Codex

A format for ancient texts consisting of multiple pages bound together, as opposed to scrolls.

Text Families

Groups of manuscripts that are recognized to be related in textual content.

Uncials

Manuscripts written in large, capital letters, commonly used in early Christian texts.

Minuscule

A style of writing characterized by small letters and cursive writing.

External Attestation

The first step in text criticism that values quality over quantity of manuscripts.

Internal Evidence

The second step in text criticism that evaluates textual variations and reading errors.

Codex Sinaiticus

An important early manuscript of the Christian Bible that contributes to textual criticism.

Scribal Errors

Mistakes made by scribes while copying manuscripts, which can be either unintentional or intentional.