In
chapter 9 of the book, Lightfoot examines the significance of textual
variations. He begins the chapter by making the “shocking” revelation that
there may be well over 200,000 scribal errors (“textual variants” in textual
criticism circles) in the manuscripts of the New Testament and that this number
will undoubtedly grow as more manuscripts are uncovered. However he writes:
A person is
either unlearned or of a skeptical mind who tries to take this large number of
variations and use it in such a way as to undermine one’s faith in the Word of
God.
He
goes on with emphasis:
If the large
number of manuscripts increases the total of variations, at the same time it
supplies the means of checking them.
For
the remainder of the chapter, he presents three classifications of textual
variations in relationship to their significance for the New Testament text.
1.
Trivial variations which are of no consequence to the text. Example variants
include: the omission or addition of
such words as “for,” “and,” and “the”; different forms of the same or similar
Greek words; spelling, grammar, and vocabulary differences due the development
of the Greek language; and change in word order. However, with the great amount
of manuscripts available it is easy to determine the original reading of the
text.
2.
Substantial variations which are of no consequence to the text. These
variations involve not only the addition, omission, or shifted order of a word
or two but of an entire verse or several verses. Some examples are Luke 6:4-10,
John 7:53-8:11, Acts 8:37, and 1 John 5:7. Variations of this sort are not
supported by early manuscripts.
3.
Substantial variations that have bearing on the text. Mark 16:9-20 is an
example. Many early manuscripts (including the Vatican and Sinaitic from the
fourth century) do not include this passage and yet there are many that do. And
a statement from Irenaeus shows the existence of this passage in the second
century. So there are weighty authorities in the positive and the negative for
this being part of the original text. In this case however, the events recorded
in this passage are not in doubt as they are recorded elsewhere. These types of
variants are few and can be solved. If they could not, there are so few of them
that they should not cast doubt upon the Christian faith.
Lightfoot ends the chapter by stating the
following:
The variant
readings in the manuscripts are not of such a nature that they threaten to
overthrow our faith. Except for a few instances, we have an unquestioned text;
and even then not one principle of faith or command of the Lord is involved.
Stand firm in
Christ,
Chase
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