Sun, 18 November 2007
This
is lesson #9 in a study of canonicity, a study about where we
get our Bible. Your
instructor is Elder David Nichols.
1. Inspiration = Authority of God’s Word Canonicity = Acceptance of God’s Word Transmission = Accuracy of God’s Word 2. The unique features of the Hebrew and Greek languages: Hebrew – Very emotional, pictorial, personal language Greek – Universal , intellectual language, a language of the mind 3. Advancements in Writing – Four Stages of Development A. Pictograms (7000 B.C. – 3500 B.C.) B. Ideograms (3500 B.C. – 2100 B.C.) C. Phonograms (2100 B.C. to 1400 B.C.) D. Alphabet (1450 B.C.) 4. Writing Materials: A. Clay (Jer. 17:13, Ezek.4:1) B. Stone - Rosetta stone C. Papyrus - Egyptian form of paper D. Vellum – (Calf skins) E. Parchment – (Lamb skins) F. Leather - (Cowhide) G. Metal - Only thin sheets, of soft materials like lead H. Ostraca - Potsherds I. Paper (Alabama is 3rd leading producer in the world) 5. What is a manuscript? A copy - The original letters are called autographs. 6. Manuscripts are a key link in understanding the chain “from God to us.? They provide tangible and very important evidence about the transmission of the Bible. 7. No manuscripts or portions of manuscripts exist that were written before the Babylonian captivity (586 B.C.) but there are quite a few scripture copies dating from the Talmudic era (300 B.C. to 500 A.D.) 8. Two General Classes of Old Testament Manuscripts: A. The Synagogue Roll B. Private copies 9. The New Testament has a tremendous amount of manuscripts in whole or fragments (as many as some 14,000) some dating back to 125 A.D. 10. Major Manuscripts of the Bible A. Cairo Geneza Manuscript B. Masoretic text 11. The Old Testament text owes its accuracy to the commitment, ability and reliability of the scribes and scholars who transmitted it. 12. The “Great Debate? Older is Better vs. More is better 13. Uncials had no punctuation, all capitals, and no divisions Minuscule manuscripts were written during the age known as the “Queen of the Cursive.? 15. In the fullness of time, God in His sovereignty and grace brought together all of the ingredients to preserve His Word and to propagate His gospel message. |