Papyrus P1 — The Opening of Matthew

Physical Description

Two surviving fragments of a Greek papyrus codex, written in a single column. The fragments preserve portions of the first chapter of Matthew.

Dating the Manuscript

Assigned to the third century through paleographical comparison with other ancient Greek manuscripts.

Discovery and Preservation

The manuscript was acquired in Egypt during the nineteenth century and entered the University of Pennsylvania collection. It was among the earliest New Testament papyri to receive scholarly attention.

Historical Context

P1 preserves part of Matthew's opening chapter, which establishes the ancestry of Jesus through Abraham and David. Its survival provides early physical evidence for this important section of the Gospel.

Textual Characteristics

The surviving text is readily identifiable as Matthew 1. Its wording can be compared with the same passage in the great fourth-century codices and later manuscripts.

Significance for Gospel Preservation

P1 demonstrates that Matthew's genealogical introduction was already circulating in substantially recognizable form during the third century. Its surviving text provides an early witness against which later copies can be compared.

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.