The Process of Authority: The Dynamics in Transmission and Reception of Canonical Texts

Description

The authority of canonical texts, especially of the Bible, is often described in static definitions. However, the authority of these texts was acquired as well as exercised in a dynamic process of transmission and reception. This book analyzes selected aspects of this historical process.  Attention is paid to biblical master-texts and to other texts related to the “biblical worlds” in various historical periods and contexts. The studies examine particular texts, textual variants, translations, paraphrases and other elements in the process of textual transmission. The range covered spans from the Iron Age, through the Old Testament texts, their manuscripts and other texts from Qumran, the Septuagint, down to the New Testament, Apocrypha, Coptic texts, Patristics, and even modern translations of the Bible. The book is particularly intended for those interested in the history of reception and transmission of biblical texts and in the textual criticism. Table of Contents Abbreviations Authority in a Process 1. Emergence of Authority Tell Fekheriye Inscription. A Process of Authority on the Edge of the Assyrian Empire “Keeping Sabbath”. Variability and Stability of a Prominent Identity-Marking Norm Living Serakhim. Process of Authority in the Community Rule Passio Perpetuae and Acta Perpetuae. Tradition, Authority, and Rewriting of Martyrdom 2. Subsistence of Authority Retracing Authoritative Traditions behind the Scriptural Texts. The Book of Daniel as a Case in Point The Book Esther in Josephus. Authority of Conflict-causing Laws Papers or Principles?. Ignatius of Antioch on the Authority of the Old Testament “Scripture” and the “Memoirs of the Apostles”. Justin Martyr and His Bible Holy or Foolish?. Gnostic Concept(s) of the Authority of the Old Testament Form as a Vehicle of Authority?. Some Remarks on the Apocryphon of James 3. Transmission of Authority 3.1 Textual Transmission Some “Interpretive” Variants in the Greek Text of John’s Gospel Theologically Significant Textual Variants in the Pastoral Epistles What Do the Variants of P46 Say?. Tested on 1 Corinthians and Galatians The Text of Mark 10:29–30 in Quis dives salvetur? by Clement of Alexandria 3.2 Translation Interpreting Ambiguity. The Beginning of the “Song of the Suffering Servant” (Isa 52:13–15) and its Translations Linguistic Peculiarities in the Syriac Versions of John 4:4–42 and their Theological Consequences The Berlin “Coptic Book” and its New Testament Quotations The True Text. Ambrose, Jerome, and Ambrosiaster on the Variety of Biblical Versions Translation Tradition as a Source of Errors and Clichés in Modern Czech Translations of the New Testament Index of sources