New Testament Textual Criticism

Textual criticism is a discipline most are unable to undertake. Textual criticism, as defined by scholar Daniel B. Wallace, is to ‘try to ascertain the wording of the original text of a particular document when that original document no longer exists.’ When it comes to the New Testament, the goal is to try and obtain the original wording of the original author (the autograph). This is done through examining and comparing the many manuscripts we hold today.

Recently, Daniel B. Wallace, one of today’s leading textual critics, released new videos long awaited by the scholarly community. You can see them here: http://www.csntm.org/. The collection of videos set out to help explain the discipline of textual criticism. Dr. Wallace is a professor of New Testament studies at Dallas Theological Seminary and the founder of ‘The Center for Study of Study of New Testament Manuscripts’ – a group that has spend years researching manuscripts and digitally copying them for public viewing. Wallace has stated that he wants a big portion of his professional life to be dedicated to getting as many manuscripts digitally copied and cataloged for students and scholars to be able to examine.

For some time the text of the New Testament has been under fire for various reasons. One of these reasons is that we are unable to reach back and see the original wording of the New Testament text; therefore asking the question, ‘what’s the point in believing in the Bible if we are unable to know what was originally written?’ One of the main proponents of this view is scholar Bart Ehrman. Ehrman, once a Christian, had lost his faith after studying textual criticism and seeing what he believes as contradictions within the writings of the New Testament. He is now the author of such books, ‘Misquoting Jesus’ and most recently, ‘Forged.’

When Ehrman’s works are read by someone untrained in textual criticism, especially if they are a Christian, it can be difficult working around the issues Ehrman brings to light. The reader needs to be well-rounded and not take Ehrman’s beliefs as doctrine. They need other sources to help shed light on Ehrman’s errors (for there are many). Dr. Wallace’s videos and other works act as such a tool. Wallace's work helps in understanding the difficulties of textual criticism and where it needs to go. Dr. Wallace’s advice and educated thoughts can also be seen in the book ‘The Case for the Real Jesus’ by Lee Strobel, as well as the webpage ‘The Ehrman Project’ addressing issues with Bart Ehrman’s teachings.

I highly recommend to student and public alike to take a look at these wonderful videos featuring Dr. Wallace himself, as well as the website, to begin understanding textual criticism.