Gospel manuscripts predating Muhammed

[Thomas_Valli]

Are there extant manuscripts of each of the gospels, either as entire gospel text or as fragments that can be assembled to form the entire text, that date from the time of Muhammad, or earlier?

I want to be able to show a Muslim that the gospels that existed at Muhammad’s time, and which he himself said were true, are the same gospels that we have today. Any links to websites where photos of the texts of these manuscripts or fragments, along with translations, can be found would be appreciated, as would other links to websites that address this specific issue. As you know, Muslims say our Scrptures have been corrupted.

Thank you.

 

[adamhovey1988]

Are there extant manuscripts of each of the gospels, either as entire gospel text or as fragments that can be assembled to form the entire text, that date from the time of Muhammad, or earlier?

I want to be able to show a Muslim that the gospels that existed at Muhammad’s time, and which he himself said were true, are the same gospels that we have today. Any links to websites where photos of the texts of these manuscripts or fragments, along with translations, can be found would be appreciated, as would other links to websites that address this specific issue. As you know, Muslims say our Scrptures have been corrupted.

Thank you.

The earliest one I know of is a manuscript of the Gospel of John dating from the 2nd century called Rylands Library Papyrus P52

 

[AmbroseSJ]

Are there extant manuscripts of each of the gospels, either as entire gospel text or as fragments that can be assembled to form the entire text, that date from the time of Muhammad, or earlier?

I want to be able to show a Muslim that the gospels that existed at Muhammad’s time, and which he himself said were true, are the same gospels that we have today. Any links to websites where photos of the texts of these manuscripts or fragments, along with translations, can be found would be appreciated, as would other links to websites that address this specific issue. As you know, Muslims say our Scrptures have been corrupted.

Thank you.

I think there is an entire Bible (in Greek) codex (forget where) that dates to late 4th to early 5th century: 350-450 AD.

I think the Muslims will argue that it was corrupted before any text we currently have. Bear in mind that it isn’t a scholarly argument, it is a prejudicial (and convenient ) one. Think in terms of arguing with Protestants that the Church got “corrupted” at some vague date, going off the rails, so that the Reformation was necessary. Again, you are not arguing with scholars, but with bigots.

 

[Hatikvah]

[Source]:

In the study of the New Testament canon, scholars like to highlight the first time we see a complete list of 27 books. Inevitably, the list contained in Athanasius’ famous Festal Letter (c.367) is mentioned as the first time this happened.

So the version of the New Testament canon that we use now, at least formally, predated Muhammad. Therefore, all of the books in it existed. The article I cited goes on to say that the canon is undoubtedly older, though it differed depending on the Christian community.

 

[tee_eff_em]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_uncial_codices

:tiphat:
tee

 

[melekali]

A related topic is the history of the development of the Koran. It was written on whatever was available and wasn’t compiled until after 1000 AD. Let’s do all in charity.

Blessings.