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Oldest Bible | 07/06/2009 9:35 am

Oldest Christian Bible Goes Online for All to See

Text was written 1,600 years ago in the 4th century on animal skin; experts say it’s ‘a window into the development of early Christianity.’
By The Staff at wowOwow.com
Image: Wikipedia

Due to the powers of the Internet, parts of the oldest living Christian bible in the world are now available for viewing online.

The text of the Codex Sinaiticus will be displayed in its entirety for the first time in 150 years today after researchers brought together and digitized its four sections kept in cities thousands of miles apart. The pages include the whole of the New Testament and the earliest surviving copy of the Gospels written at different times after Christ’s death by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, notes Reuters. The bible, which was written about 1,600 years ago in the 4th century on more than 800 pages of animal-skin parchment, is available to everyone, thanks to a collaboration between Britain, Egypt, Germany and Russia. Each country has held different parts of the ancient book after it was bought on behalf of the Russian Tsar in the mid-19th century. The text was written in Greek by four scribes during the time of Roman emperor Constantine the Great, who embraced Christianity. 

"The significance of Codex Sinaiticus for the reconstruction of the Christian Bible’s original text, the history of the Bible and the history of Western bookmaking is immense," says the website. And experts say it is "a window into the development of early Christianity."

Although you may not believe in it, this may be one way to look at reincarnation!

24 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

Patty E

When I read the story about this last night, I was excited!  I have read many different ‘Bibles’, from various histories, various religions thoughout the world, and it amazes me the differences with what was left out and what was included…..and how the interpretations even differ……for the most part, people ‘choose’ what they ‘want’ to believe is history—-we all know that——but my thirst is to ‘discover’………

I intend to read the whole thing as soon as it comes out and is available to all people——  

By Patty E on 07/06/2009 10:51 am
James the Game
I thought the oldest Christian bible was the little green one that’s been collecting dust in my bedroom chest of drawers for 25 years. I have a nice black one that a guy gave me on a basement-waterproofing call years ago - how nice. And, Jack Van Impe’s prophecy Bible is pretty cool.
By James the Game on 07/06/2009 4:33 pm
C jay
You nut! So you’re the oldest Christiran, eh James?
By C jay on 07/07/2009 11:23 pm
James the Game
Christian, too, C Jay!
By James the Game on 07/08/2009 12:07 am
Rebecca G
"…those who live by mystery & charlatanerie, fearing you would render them useless by simplifying the Christian philosophy, the most sublime & benevolent, but most perverted system that ever shone on man, endeavored to crush your well earnt, & well deserved fame."

Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Priestley, Washington, 21 March 1801

By Rebecca G on 07/06/2009 5:30 pm
Deena B.
Religious beliefs aside, this is fascinating simply from an historical standpoint.  It would be nice if I read Greek, though. 
By Deena B. on 07/06/2009 6:51 pm
Rebecca G
Greek.  Could be worse.  I write everything in a Theban code so people can’t read it.
By Rebecca G on 07/07/2009 12:50 am
Deena B.
That would certainly prevent me from reading it!
By Deena B. on 07/07/2009 7:18 am
C jay
Interesting history, but the gospels by women need to be on every newstand, and in every bookstore until the world reads them all. History must cease to be his  story.
By C jay on 07/07/2009 11:26 pm