As summer begins, we invite you to join us on a unique journey of discovery: “From Ancient Papyrus to Modern Discovery: The Legacy of John Mill and CSNTM.”
Join us as we retrace the remarkable journey of John Mill and his mission to locate and study Greek New Testament manuscripts, a scholarly quest that is intricately connected to the founding and work of the Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscript (CSNTM).
In the late 17th century, John Mill, an English Theologian, embarked on a journey across the globe to find and examine Greek New Testament manuscripts. Driven by his passion for preserving the textual integrity of the New Testament, Mill endeavored to analyze as many manuscripts as possible, noting any variant readings. This 30-year-long mission led him to view 99 manuscripts, culminating in his 1707 critical edition of the Greek New Testament.
Mill’s work became the greatest contribution to New Testament textual scholarship up to that time, and remains one of the greatest milestone achievements in this field of study. He set out to do more than merely find and study ancient texts; rather, he aimed to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the New Testament text for future generations. He wanted to satisfy himself that the text of the Greek New Testament reflects, as nearly as humanly possible, the words written by the closest followers of Jesus Christ.
In a very real sense, the work of CSNTM builds upon John Mill’s achievement and carries forward his mission.
Dr. Daniel B. Wallace first formed CSNTM in 2002 to digitize Greek New Testament manuscripts and make them accessible to scholars (or anyone) via the Internet. Prior to this, scholars had to travel to libraries or monasteries scattered around the globe to view manuscripts in person—just like John Mill himself—costing them time and money, only to gain relatively brief access to these precious artifacts. Their only alternative was to view microfilm images—if they exist—made in the 1950s or 60s, which are black-and-white, grainy, and very often out-of-focus.
He began with state-of-the-art equipment for 2002: a 4 MP camera and a tripod. Over the past 22 years, CSNTM kept pace with advancing technology, and now uses a sophisticated 150 MP digitization system. Through advanced technology and collaboration with friends like YOU, people around the world now have access to manuscripts without having to journey around the globe as John Mill once did.
This summer, we invite you to join us in this journey of discovery and preservation, by helping us reach our goal of $90,000. Thanks to a generous donor, every dollar that you contribute will be matched, doubling the impact of your donation!
By supporting CSNTM, you are participating in a mission that spans centuries of scholarship and labor, and ensures these precious witnesses to the text of the New Testament are preserved for future generations.
Follow “From Ancient Papyrus to Modern Discovery: The Legacy of John Mill and CSNTM” to learn about John Mill’s journey and his influence on the work and mission of CSNTM.