Papyrus P4 — Early Portions of Luke

Physical Description

Six surviving fragments from a Greek papyrus codex. The original pages were written in two columns, with approximately thirty-six lines per column.

Dating the Manuscript

Paleographical estimates generally place the manuscript between the late second and third centuries. A precise production date is not known.

Discovery and Preservation

The fragments became known through the study of Egyptian papyri and are preserved in the French national collection. They represent part of a considerably larger original codex.

Historical Context

P4 preserves portions of the opening chapters of Luke, including material concerning the events surrounding Jesus' birth and the beginning of His public ministry.

Textual Characteristics

Although incomplete, the surviving fragments preserve passages from several chapters. They provide an early basis for comparing Luke's wording with later Greek manuscripts.

Significance for Gospel Preservation

P4 demonstrates that important portions of Luke's opening narrative were already being copied in the early centuries of Christianity. Its text supplies an independent early witness to passages preserved in later biblical codices.

Sources and Further Reading

1. Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts Digital Collection
   Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts. Digital Manuscript Collection.
   CSNTM manuscript catalogue and digital research resources.
2. New Testament Virtual Manuscript Room
   Institute for New Testament Textual Research. New Testament Virtual Manuscript Room.
   INTF manuscript identification and catalogue evidence.