The guiding principles of textual criticism are the same for all writings, whatever type, although in practice their application varies according to the number, variety and quality of witnesses available. In this sense, then, it is correct to speak of a method of New Testament textual criticism. But that does not mean that it is a fixed method. On the contrary, it is one of the points over which scholars most disagree. They may well generally agree about there being several stages to be worked through by the critic in order to reach the correct reading, but they agree rather less about the order and significance of the stages. The aim here is not to enter into detailed discussion about the various theories nor to lay down any rigid order of procedure. Verbal criticism, external criticism and internal criticism will sometimes be seen to work hand in hand. The chief purpose of this chapter will be to establish points of reference in what is a very complex issue.

VERBAL CRITICISM

In order to re-establish in its original purity an ancient text which has been handed down to us in a more or less altered state, the critic must first of all study the sources of corruption in manuscripts.