The Historical Reliability of the New Testament

The Life and Teachings of Jesus of Nazareth (B.C. 4 to 30 A.D.)

Eyewitness Testamony of the Followers of Jesus (A.D. 30 to 55)

The Writings of Paul

Writing the Gospels
It is interesting that the latest gospel, John's, is the earliest known papyrus fragment (P52). One may argue, that although scholars have not (yet!) discovered earlier forms of the Synoptic Gospels, we can safely assume that if John's was in existances than their's must of been known as well. be dated as early, if not earlier than this fragment.

Early Papria
Papyrus 52
A.D. 100-200
John 18:31-33, 37-38

Size: 2.5" X 3.5"
Page(s): One small fragment
Location: John Rylands Library, Manchester, England

Importance: The oldest NT papyrus


Papyrus 75
A.D. 175-225
Luke & John

Size: 10.25" X 5.13"
Page(s): 102
Location: Cologny/Geneva

Importance: The earliest known copy of Luke and one of the earliest known copies of John



Papyrus 45
A.D. 250-300
Four Gospels & Acts

Papyrus 45 is one of the earliest known copies of the Four Gospels and Acts. It measures approximately 8" X 10", contains 30 papyrus leaves, and is located in the Chester Beatty Museum, Dublin, Ireland.

Papyrus 46
A.D. 200
Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galations, Ephesians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and Hebrews

Papyrus 46 measures 11" X 6.5", contains 86 papyrus leaves, and is located in the Chester Beatty Museum, Dublin, Ireland. It is one of the earliest and largest collections of Paul's letters.





Papyrus 47
A.D. 250-300
Revelation 9:10-17:2

Size: 9.5" X 5.5"
Page(s): 10 leaves
Location: Chester Beatty Museum, Dublin, Ireland

Importance: Contains one of the earliest known copies of Revelation



Patristic Period

Early Manuscripts