Biblical researchers based at Oxford University have become very excited about translating millions of fragments of ancient texts in their possession. While these texts were discovered over a century ago, it is only recently that translating them has been taken seriously, and researchers are becoming increasingly excited by what they are uncovering.
The documents, entitled The Oxyrhynchus Papyri, after the Egyptian city in which they were discovered, are being touted as a possible “lost gospel,” with academics saying they could provide valuable insight into the “mark of the beast” referred to in Revelation.
The painfully slow process of translating them has resulted in researchers calling on “armchair archaeologists” to help out by logging into the Ancient Lives website, where parts of the text have been published.
The texts, dated between 500 BC to 1,000 AD, were written when Egypt was controlled by Greek and Romans.
“It’s with the digital advancements of our own age, that we're able to open up this window into the past, and see a common human experience in that intimate, traditional medium, handwriting,” lead developer and designer, William MacFarlane of Oxford University’s Department of Physics stated on the university’s website.
Parts of the documents have not been read in over a thousand years, and might provide valuable insight into the life and ministry of Jesus, and even details about what people of the time believed about the Judgement Day.
One discovery has already thrown into question the number of the beast referred to in Revelation 13:18 as ‘666,’ with researchers now believing it might actually be “616” or “665.”
Fragments also include lost stories of Jesus, including an account of Jesus throwing out demons.
“Until now only experts could explore this incredible collection,” said project leader Dr Chris Lintott of Oxford University’s Department of Physics. “With so much of the collection unstudied there’s plenty for everyone. We’re excited to see what visitors to ancientlives.org can unearth.”
(Image from ox.ac.uk).