Ancient biblical texts digitized for posterity.

• Position: YOUR LIFE - Brief article

Some of the oldest and most important biblical manuscripts known to mankind--the Chester Beatty Papyri--have been photographed digitally by the Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts, Piano, Texas, an organization devoted to preserving ancient biblical texts for future generations.

The documents, housed at the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin, Ireland, include the oldest known manuscript of Paul's letters (dated circa A.D. 200); the oldest manuscript of Mark's Gospel and portions of the other Gospels and Acts (third century); and the oldest manuscript of Revelation (third century). Two of the Old Testament documents---made from papyrus, a paper-like substance first used by the ancient Egyptians--are as old as the second century A.D.

...