Introduction
The Gospel of Matthew, one of the four canonical gospels, holds significant place in Christian tradition. Its historical origins are shrouded in mystery, with the oldest known copies providing valuable insights into its early dissemination. This article explores the oldest known copies of the Gospel of Matthew, offering a detailed examination of these ancient manuscripts.
The Oldest Complete Copy: Codex Sinaiticus
The oldest complete copy of the Gospel of Matthew is part of a remarkable manuscript known as the Codex Sinaiticus. Dating to around 350 CE, this document is housed in the British Museum in London. The Codex Sinaiticus is an invaluable resource for scholars interested in early Christian texts, offering a comprehensive and complete version of the New Testament.
The Earliest Fragment: Papyrus
Anterior to the codices, the earliest known fragment of the Gospel of Matthew is a papyrus leaf. This fragment, also known as Papyrus, dates to the late 2nd century AD. It is a single sheet containing the opening lines of Matthew 1:1-9 and 12-20, which detail the lineage of Jesus. This manuscript provides crucial evidence for the early transmission of the Gospel.
Alternative Lineage and Translational Differences
It is noteworthy that some passages of the Gospel of Matthew have survived from alternative lineages, diverging from the standard text found in modern Bibles. One such example is Matthew 1:16, where variations in Hebrew and Aramaic readings differ from the standard Greek translation. Specifically, some versions read ‘father’ instead of ‘husband,’ providing a fascinating glimpse into the textual variations that occurred early in the manuscript transmission process.
Controversial Dating of the Magdalen Sponge
One of the oldest surviving manuscripts of Matthew is the Magdalen Papyrus, a fragment containing part of Matthew 1. According to earlier scholarship, this manuscript was originally dated to the 3rd century AD. However, in late 1994, Carsten Peter Thiede proposed a redating of the Magdalen Papyrus to the middle of the 1st century AD (37 to 70 AD), an assertion that generated considerable controversy. Thiede, described as an Anglican priest who often advanced theories conflicting with academic scholarship, claimed that the papyrus dates back to the period of the early Christian church.
Thiede's claim was based on multiple lines of evidence, including linguistic and stylistic analysis, but it remains a controversial point in academic circles. Despite renewed interest and public attention, the consensus among papyrologists and scholars remains that the papyrus more likely dates to the early 4th century AD, as suggested by A. S. Hunt and other experts. However, this alternative dating continues to attract attention and calls for further study.
Conclusion
The search for the oldest copies of the Gospel of Matthew highlights the fascinating journey of textual transmission in early Christianity. From the comprehensive Codex Sinaiticus to the intriguing Magdalen Papyrus, these ancient manuscripts offer windows into the early Christian text and the complex processes of textual preservation and variation. As scholars continue to analyze and evaluate these sources, our understanding of the Gospel of Matthew deepens, shedding light on the rich tapestry of early Christian literature.