3/22/2007

Oldest NT Fragment known: VERY INTERESTING!!!

7Q5 is a fragment of papyrus found in cave 7 that dates 50BC-50AD (AD and BC are both pre- and post- birth of Christ = 100 years difference).

This fragment is belived to be Mark 6:52-53 ("...For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened. And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore." -KJV), according to the 20 letters in 5 lines of text.

The signifigance is that this fragment is the oldest documented version of the New Testament, dating the Book of Mark before 50AD, only 17 years after Christ's death. The closest-dated traditional gospel is Luke, but afterwards in 60AD.
So it is safe to say that Mark is the oldest of the 4 gospels, and prob most reliable or copied.

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