Religion: Oldest Gospel

¶ On the banks of the Jordan, Jesus Christ asked His hearers a “strange question.” It embarrassed them. …

¶Heckled by Pharisees and Herodians, Jesus countered: “Why call me with your mouth, master, when ye hear not what I say?”

Last week episodes like these were half revealed, half suggested, in two papyrus leaves and one small papyrus scrap from a collection of Greek writings acquired in Egypt lately by the British Museum. The papyri, declared Keeper of Manuscripts Harold Idris Bell, are the oldest Christian writings extant. Of the 2nd Century, they antedate the Chester Beatty New Testament papyri (3rd Century) which came to light four years ago. Paralleling and at times supplementing the Gospels, the papyrus fragments are apparently close to the sources used by St. John in his writings.