Foundations of Faith

FOUNDATIONS OF FAITH IN JESUS
M. M. NINAN
Testament in this document; it is therefore reasonable to conclude that the gospels were in
existence and well known prior to 120 AD.
Rylands Library Papyrus I: P52 (117-138 AD)
This is the earliest fragment from the New Testament and dates back to 117-138 AD. It contains
parts of John 18:31-33 and John 18:37-38 on the back, which talk about the trial of Jesus.
This is what it reads translated in English
It is not lawful for us to put to death
No one; that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled;
Which he spoke signifying by what death
He was about to die. Entered therefore into the
Praetorium again Pilate and called
Jesus and said to him, "Are you the King of
The Jews?"
Jn 18:31-33
For this I have been born, and for this I have been born into
The world that I may bear witness to the truth.
Everyone that is of the truth hears my voice.
Says to him Pilate, "what is truth?"
And this having said again, he went out
To the Jews and says to them;
I not any fault find in him.
Jn 18:37-38
A few verses of Philemon: P87 (125 AD)
This fragment contains Philemon 13-15 as well as the epilogue (v24-25).
As is clear from these archaeological findings of the various papyri, all of the portions of the
New Testament were in full acceptance and existence soon after the first century. What would
that tell us about the validity of accuracy of the Scriptures knowing that all the texts were in
place within 70 years of the resurrection of Jesus? What we have is not the original copies of the
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