The Earliest Manuscript with "Χριστός" Written Out: A Study of Scribal Practices
The inquiry into the earliest manuscript featuring "Χριστός" (Christ) written out fully, rather than using the nomina sacra (sacred names abbreviated), is a fascinating aspect of early Christian scribal habits. This exploration sheds light on how scribes approached sacred names and titles, which can reveal much about early Christian piety and manuscript culture.
Understanding Nomina Sacra
Nomina sacra are abbreviated forms of sacred names in early Christian manuscripts. Common examples include abbreviations for "Jesus" (Ἰησοῦς), "Lord" (κύριος), "God" (θεός), and "Christ" (Χριστός). These abbreviations were typically indicated with a supralinear stroke.
Instances of "Χριστός" Written Out
Primary Sources Highlighted by Hurtado
Larry Hurtado, in his work The Earliest Christian Artifacts, discusses several manuscripts where sacred names are written out in full. These instances are exceptions to the common practice of using nomina sacra. Here are notable examples:
P.Oxy. 407: An unidentified prayer or amulet text where all nomina sacra words are consistently written out in full.
P.Oxy. 3525: Fragments of the Gospel of Mary, with one uncertain instance of an uncontracted "Κύριε" (Lord).
P.Mich. 130: The Michigan fragment of the Shepherd of Hermas, which includes one instance of "Θεῳ" (God) written in full.
P72 (P.Bodmer VIII): This manuscript contains several instances where "Κύριος" (Lord) is written out fully in 1 Peter 3:12, 2 Peter 1:2, 2:9, and 2:20.
P52 (Rylands Library Papyrus P52): This fragmentary manuscript possibly includes instances of "Ἰησοῦς" (Jesus) written in full.
P.Oxy. 656: Portions of a papyrus codex of Genesis, featuring "Θεός" (God) and "Κύριος" (Lord) written out.
P45 (Chester Beatty I) and P46 (Chester Beatty II): These manuscripts have a few instances where "Κύριος" (Lord) is left unabbreviated.
Notable Example: P72
Among these, P72 is particularly significant as it indeed contains "Χριστός" in 1 Peter 3:2 fully written out. This manuscript is part of the Bodmer Papyri, a group of early Christian texts dating from the 3rd to 4th centuries, making it one of the earliest known examples of this practice.
The Context of Scribal Habits
Fourth-Century Scribes
Ken Olson raises a pertinent point regarding scribal habits in the 4th century. The predominant trend was the use of nomina sacra, reflecting a standardized reverence and uniformity in transcribing sacred texts. However, the exceptions identified suggest that certain texts or contexts prompted scribes to write these names out fully, perhaps to emphasize the sacredness or for specific liturgical or doctrinal purposes.
Scholarly Insights
Tuckett and Others
Christopher Tuckett's observations align with Hurtado's findings, underscoring that these instances are not just anomalies but indicate a complex and nuanced approach to sacred names. These practices were likely influenced by regional, theological, and practical considerations within the early Christian communities.
Conclusion
The study of manuscripts where "Χριστός" is written out fully offers a glimpse into the diversity of early Christian scribal practices. While the nomina sacra were the norm, these exceptions highlight the dynamic nature of early manuscript culture. The examination of such texts, like those identified by Hurtado, provides valuable insights into the religious and textual priorities of early Christianity.
This ongoing exploration helps us understand the evolution of Christian manuscripts and the reverence afforded to sacred names, reflecting a deep-seated piety and a commitment to preserving the sanctity of the divine.
References:
- Hurtado, Larry W. The Earliest Christian Artifacts: Manuscripts and Christian Origins. Eerdmans, 2006.
- Tuckett, Christopher. "P.Oxy. 407 and Early Christian Manuscripts." Journal of Early Christian Studies, vol. 10, no. 4, 2002, pp. 463-475.
- Wikipedia contributors. "Minuscule 1739." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 2023.
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