Scribes and Their Remains by Evans, Johnston et al.

[William T. McVay]

I just discovered this book, "Scribes and Their Remains (The Library of Second Temple Studies)" in a search for information about the Jena papyri. It is recent (September 2019) and covers important issues in biblical papyrology of the second and third centuries AD. I think it could be a worthy addition to the Accordance library. There is a Kindle version, so it exists in digital form. In fact, the entire series of which it is a part might be worth considering: "Studies in Scripture in Early Judaism and Christianity" (SSEJC).

 

Here is some descriptive and bibliographic info from the Amazon page.

 

"Scribes and Their Remains begins with an introductory essay by Stanley Porter which addresses the principal theme of the book: the text as artifact.

 

"The rest of the volume is then split into two major sections. In the first, five studies appear on the theme of 'Scribes, Letters, and Literacy.' In the first of these Craig A. Evans offers a lengthy piece that argues that the archaeological, artifactual, and historical evidence suggests that New Testament autographs and first copies may well have remained in circulation for one century or more, having the effect of stabilizing the text. Other pieces in the section address literacy, orality and paleography of early Christian papyri.

 

"In the second section there are five pieces on 'Writing, Reading, and Abbreviating Christian Scripture.' These range across numerous topics, including an examination of the stauros (cross) as a nomen sacrum. The volume concludes with reflections by co-editor Peter Arzt-Grabner incorporating his longstanding expertise in the study of documentary papyri, especially as these ancient documents relate to New Testament research. From the perspective of a papyrologist, Arzt-Grabner discusses how New Testament scholars use documentary papyri today and recommends some future directions."

 

"Craig A. Evans is John Bisagno Distinguished Professor of Christian Origins at Houston Baptist University, USA.

"Jeremiah J. Johnston teaches New Testament at Houston Baptist University, USA.

 

 

"Series: The Library of Second Temple Studies

Hardcover: 336 pages

Publisher: T&T Clark (September 5, 2019)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0567688046

ISBN-13: 978-0567688040"